Question 8 from UPSC CSE 2017 - Art and
Culture

Question

The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft-illustrated paintings at

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Correct Option: A. Ajanta

Strategy: Focus on the unique association between Bodhisattva Padmapani and the Ajanta Caves. Ajanta is uniquely renowned for this depiction, unlike Badami, Bagh, or Ellora. The key is recognizing Ajanta's specific artistic heritage for direct factual recall.

Key Info: **Ajanta Caves**
The Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra are celebrated Buddhist rock-cut monuments dating from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 CE. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, globally famed for ancient mural paintings considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art.

**Bodhisattva Padmapani Painting**
Cave 1 at Ajanta houses the legendary painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani (Avalokitesvara). The figure is depicted holding a lotus, adorned with elaborate ornaments, and exuding serenity and compassion. In Mahayana Buddhism, Padmapani is a popular icon symbolizing compassion (karuna) and is often shown with a blue lotus (utpala).

**Murals and Artistic Technique**
The murals at Ajanta depict Jataka tales, scenes from Buddha's life, various Bodhisattvas, and courtly life. They are noted for their naturalistic style and expressive human figures. The paintings were created using the tempera technique on dry plaster, with rich mineral pigments.

**Comparison with Other Sites**
*   **Badami:** Features significant ancient murals from the Chalukya period in its cave temples, but no comparably renowned depiction of Bodhisattva Padmapani.
*   **Bagh:** Contains important Gupta-period murals, but lacks a celebrated Padmapani painting.
*   **Ellora:** Contains Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain cave complexes with notable sculptures, but its murals are less extensive than those at Ajanta.

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Option B: Badami

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Option C: Bagh

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Option D: Ellora