Question 86 from UPSC CSE 2016 - Culture

Question

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.

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. 3 only

Strategy: Evaluate each statement against known historical facts for Ajanta and Mahabalipuram.
- **Statement 1:** Compare building periods. Ajanta (2nd century BCE to 6th century CE) and Mahabalipuram (7th to 8th centuries CE) are from distinct periods, making the statement incorrect.
- **Statement 2:** Compare religious affiliations. Ajanta is exclusively Buddhist, while Mahabalipuram is primarily Hindu, making the statement incorrect.
- **Statement 3:** Assess architectural styles. Both sites are celebrated for rock-cut architecture, confirming this statement as correct.
- **Conclusion:** Since only statement 3 is correct, the answer is option B.

Key Info: The question pertains to the commonalities between two significant ancient Indian architectural sites, Ajanta and Mahabalipuram, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

**Ajanta Caves:**
*   **Location:** Aurangabad district, Maharashtra.
*   **Period:** Construction occurred in two major phases:
    *   **Phase 1 (Hinayana Buddhism):** 2nd century BCE to 1st century CE, under the patronage of the Satavahana dynasty.
    *   **Phase 2 (Mahayana Buddhism):** 5th to 6th century CE, primarily during the Vakataka period under Emperor Harishena.
*   **Religion:** Exclusively Buddhist, featuring Chaityas (prayer halls) and Viharas (monastic residential cells).
*   **Architecture:** Famous for rock-cut cave complexes adorned with intricate sculptures and world-renowned fresco paintings depicting the Jataka tales (stories of the Buddha's previous lives).

**Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram):**
*   **Location:** Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu.
*   **Period:** Predominantly 7th to 8th century CE, under the patronage of the Pallava dynasty, particularly King Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla) and Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha).
*   **Religion:** Primarily Hindu, with monuments dedicated to Vaishnavite (Vishnu) and Shaivite (Shiva) deities.
*   **Architecture:** Known for a variety of architectural forms:
    *   **Rock-cut Caves (Mandapas):** Pillar-and-hall rock-cut structures.
    *   **Monolithic Rathas:** Temples carved out of a single large rock (e.g., the Five Rathas or Pancha Rathas).
    *   **Relief Sculptures:** Large open-air rock reliefs, most notably 'Arjuna's Penance' or 'Descent of the Ganges'.
    *   **Structural Temples:** Early structural temples like the Shore Temple.

**Commonality Analysis:**
*   **Statement 1 (Built in the same period):** Incorrect. Ajanta's significant phases predate Mahabalipuram's Pallava period by several centuries.
*   **Statement 2 (Same religious denomination):** Incorrect. Ajanta is Buddhist, while Mahabalipuram is Hindu.
*   **Statement 3 (Rock-cut monuments):** Correct. Both sites are prime examples of extensive rock-cut architecture. Ajanta's identity is defined by its rock-cut caves, and Mahabalipuram is famous for its rock-cut mandapas, monolithic Rathas, and relief sculptures carved directly from natural rock formations.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1 and 2 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: 1 and 3 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: None of the statements given above is correct

What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram? Both were built in the same period. Both belong to the same religious denomination. Both have rock-cut monuments. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram?

Both were built in the same period.

Both belong to the same religious denomination.

Both have rock-cut monuments.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.