Q1. Ajanta Caves are located in the State of
(a) Maharashtra
(b) Gujarat
(c) Tamil Nadu
(d) West Bengal
(UPSC Prelims 1979)
Answer: (a) Maharashtra
Explanation: The Ajanta Caves, located in Maharashtra, are renowned for their ancient Buddhist rock-cut architecture and murals. These caves date back to the 2nd century BCE to 6th century CE, showcasing India’s rich cultural and artistic heritage.
Q2. The sculpture with the three faces of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh known as “Trimurti” appears in
(a) Ajanta caves
(b) Ellora caves
(c) Kalva caves
(d) Elephanta caves
(UPSC Prelims 1979)
Answer: (d) Elephanta caves
Explanation: The Trimurti sculpture in the Elephanta Caves near Mumbai is a masterpiece of Indian rock-cut art, depicting the three aspects of the divine—creation (Brahma), preservation (Vishnu), and destruction (Mahesh/Shiva)—in a single unified form.
Q3. The Ajanta Caves were built during the period of
(a) Guptas
(b) Kushans
(c) Mauryas
(d) Chalukyas
(UPSC Prelims 1980)
Answer: (a) Guptas
Explanation: The Ajanta Caves, known for their Buddhist murals and sculptures, were primarily constructed during the Gupta period, reflecting the golden age of Indian art and culture.
Q4. Ajanta paintings depict
(a) Ramayana
(b) Mahabharata
(c) Jatakas
(d) Panchatantra
(UPSC Prelims 1984)
Answer: (c) Jatakas
Explanation: The Ajanta cave paintings, dating back to 2nd century BCE to 6th century CE, primarily illustrate the Jataka tales, which are stories of the previous lives of Buddha. These paintings are known for their artistic finesse and spiritual themes.
Q5. Which of the following places is not associated with the growth of art ?
(a) Mahabalipuram
(b) Amarnath
(c) Ajanta
(d) Ellora
(UPSC Prelims 1984)
Answer: (b) Amarnath
Explanation: Amarnath is primarily known for its religious significance, not for artistic heritage. In contrast, Mahabalipuram, Ajanta, and Ellora are celebrated for their sculptures, cave paintings, and architectural marvels.
6. Match the columns:
| Column I | Column II |
|---|---|
| A. Amarnath | 1. Buddhist caves |
| B. Rock cut temples | 2. Jain saint |
| C. Ajanta | 3. Hindu shrine |
| D. Bahubali | 4. Mahabalipuram |
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
| A | B | C | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (a) | 3 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| (b) | 4 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| (c) | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| (d) | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Amarnath is a famous Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva (A–3).
Rock cut temples are prominently found at Mahabalipuram (B–4).
Ajanta is renowned for its ancient Buddhist caves (C–1).
Bahubali is a highly revered Jain saint (D–2).
Hence, the correct matching sequence is 3412.