UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 54
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.
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct Option: B
Explanation: Ajanta contains ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves, whereas Mahabalipuram has later Pallava-period Hindu monuments, including rock-cut works; the shared feature is rock-cut architecture.
Statement/Pair-wise Analysis:
Statement/Item 1: Incorrect - Ajanta was developed from around the 2nd century BCE to the first millennium CE; Pallava Mahabalipuram is mainly 7th–8th century CE.
Statement/Item 2: Incorrect - Ajanta is primarily Buddhist; Mahabalipuram monuments are principally Hindu.
Statement/Item 3: Correct - Both are renowned for monuments carved directly out of living rock.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/items 1, 2; omits correct statement/item 3.
B: Correct - includes all and only the true statements/items.
C: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/item 1.
D: Incorrect - omits correct statement/item 3.