UPSC Prelims 2016 Q65: Art & Culture – Architecture & World Heritage
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
Answer: (b) 3 only
Explanation
Ajanta and Mahabalipuram compared
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Both were built in the same period | Incorrect | Ajanta: 2nd century BCE to about 6th century CE; Mahabalipuram: 7th and 8th centuries CE |
| 2. Both belong to the same religious denomination | Incorrect | Ajanta is Buddhist; Mahabalipuram is Hindu (Shaiva and Vaishnava) |
| 3. Both have rock-cut monuments | Correct | Ajanta has rock-cut caves; Mahabalipuram has rock-cut rathas and cave temples |
The two sites:
| Feature | Ajanta | Mahabalipuram |
|---|---|---|
| State | Maharashtra | Tamil Nadu |
| Patrons | Satavahanas and Vakatakas | Pallavas (Narasimhavarman I) |
| Famous for | Mural paintings, chaityas and viharas | Pancha Rathas, Shore Temple, Descent of the Ganga relief |
| UNESCO listing | 1983 | 1984 |
Answer: (b) 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. They differ in both period and religious denomination.
- (b) CORRECT. The only thing common to both is rock-cut monuments.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false; they were not built in the same period.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 3 is correct, so 'None' cannot be the answer.
Key point
Ajanta: Buddhist rock-cut caves (Satavahana, Vakataka). Mahabalipuram: Hindu rock-cut rathas and temples (Pallava, 7th-8th century). Common link: rock-cut.
Remember
Ajanta and Mahabalipuram: only rock-cut is common.
Common mistakes
- Assuming all rock-cut sites are Buddhist.
- Placing Mahabalipuram in the Chola period; it is Pallava.
- Forgetting that Ajanta was made in two phases centuries apart.
Exam tip
Compare three things: who, when, which faith. Here only the technique matches.
Sources
- NCERT Class XI — An Introduction to Indian Art (Later Mural Traditions; Temple Architecture and Sculpture)
- Archaeological Survey of India — World Heritage Sites: Ajanta Caves and Mahabalipuram