Q. Consider the following statements:

1. Rock-cut architecture in Western India was more prolific than in Northern India.
2. The basaltic Deccan trap provided ideal geological conditions for carving durable and elaborate cave structures.

Select the correct option from the codes given below:
Answer: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation of Statement-I
Notes: Most Indian cave architecture is found in the Western Ghats because the basalt rock is uniform and hard enough to sustain large spans without collapsing, yet soft enough to be carved with iron tools. Northern India’s alluvial plains lacked such accessible rock faces, making Western India’s rock-cut architecture more prolific.