What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram? 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.
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.None of the statements given above is correct
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is B, 3 only. Ajanta and Mahabalipuram both have monuments cut out of living rock, but they were made in different periods and for different faiths.
The Ajanta caves in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra are about 30 Buddhist caves carved in two phases, from the 2nd century BCE and again in the 5th century CE under the Vakatakas. They are famous for their murals of Jataka stories. Mahabalipuram, or Mamallapuram, near Chennai, was a port of the Pallavas, and its rathas, cave temples and the great relief known as Arjuna's Penance were carved mainly in the 7th and 8th centuries CE under Narasimhavarman I and his successors. Its monuments are Hindu, dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
A is wrong because the two sites differ in both period and religion. C is wrong because they were not built in the same period. D is wrong because statement 3 is true.
Exam tip: Ajanta = Buddhist, Vakataka phase; Mahabalipuram = Hindu, Pallava; both rock-cut.
Practice Questions
View allEarly Buddhist sculptors did not show Buddha in human form. Through which of the following symbols was Buddha's presence shown by the early sculptors?
- A.Empty Seat and Stupa only
- B.Wheel and Tree only
- C.Wheel, Tree and Stupa only
- D.Empty Seat, Wheel, Tree and Stupa
Show answer
In the early sculpture at sites such as Sanchi, Bharhut and Amaravati, the Buddha was not carved as a man; his presence was suggested through symbols, each tied to an event of his life.
Read the full explanation →The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple?
1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines.
2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni.
3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Somnath is a Jyotirlinga and Al-Biruni described it, but the present temple was consecrated by President Rajendra Prasad, not S. Radhakrishnan.
Read the full explanation →The world's second tallest statue in sitting pose of Ramanuja was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India at Hyderabad recently. Which one of the following statements correctly represents the teachings of Ramanuja ?
- A.The best means of salvation was devotion.
- B.Vedas are eternal, self-existent and wholly authoritative.
- C.Logical arguments were essential means for the highest bliss.
- D.Salvation was to be obtained through meditation.
Show answer
Ramanuja taught that loving devotion (bhakti) to Vishnu and complete surrender (prapatti) are the surest path to liberation.
Read the full explanation →Where is Central Institute of Buddhist Studies situated ?
- A.Leh
- B.Kullu
- C.Almora
- D.Gangtok
Show answer
The Central Institute of Buddhist Studies is at Choglamsar near Leh in Ladakh. It is a deemed university funded by the Union Ministry of Culture.
Read the full explanation →Which of the following is/are the correct components of the "Lion Capital" at Sarnath ? 1. The shaft (stambha-yashti) or the tall tapering column 2. An elliptical top part - the abacus, devoid of any carvings 3. Overflowing inverted petals below the abacus Select the answer using the code given below :
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Statements 1 and 3 describe real parts of the Sarnath pillar, while the abacus is neither elliptical nor plain. The Mauryan pillar at Sarnath, set up by Ashoka, had a tall, smooth, tapering shaft of polished Chunar sandstone.
Read the full explanation →