What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram? (UPSC-2016)1. Both were built in the same period.2. Both belong to the same religious denomination.3. Both have rock-cut monuments.Select the correct answer using the code given below.
✓ Correct answer: b) 3 only
Explanation3 onlyStatement 1 is not correct: Ajanta Caves are the most famous cave site in Ajanta.It is located in the Aurangabad District of Maharashtra State.Ajanta has twenty-nine caves.It has four chaitya caves datable to the earlier phase, i.e., the second and the first century BCE (Cave Nos.10 and 9) and the later phase, i.e., the fifth century CE (Cave Nos.19 and 26).It has large chaitya viharas and is decorated with sculptures and paintings.Ajanta is the only surviving example of painting of the first century BCE and the fifth century CE.The caves at Ajanta as well as in western Deccan in general have no precise chronology because of the lack of known dated inscriptions.The shore temple at Mahabalipuram was built later, probably in the reign of Narasimhavarman II, also known as Rajasimha who reigned from 700 to 728 CE.Statement 2 is not correct: Ajanta caves are mostly dedicated to Buddhist denominations.While the shore temple at Mahabalipuram was built later, probably in the reign of Narasimhavarman II, also known as Rajasimha who reigned from 700 to 728 CE.It is oriented to the east facing the ocean, it actually houses three shrines, two to Shiva, one facing east and the other west, and a middle one to Vishnu who is shown as Anantashayana.Statement 3 is correct: Both Mahabalipuram and Ajanta are some of the finest examples of rock-cut monuments.
Practice more History PYQs
Attempt a free 10-question quiz or browse the full History & Art-Culture previous-year-question bank with instant answers and explanations.
🏛️ History PYQs →