11. When were the Ajanta cave paintings primarily created?
[A] Maurya period
[B] Gupta period
[C] Ashokan period
[D] Vakataka period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Vakataka period]
Notes:
The Ajanta caves originated around the 2nd-1st century BCE during the Satavahana dynasty. The earliest paintings appeared in caves 9, 10, 12, 13, and 15A. The main and elaborate paintings were developed during the Vakataka period (5th-6th centuries CE).
12. Which religions are depicted in Maharashtra’s Ajanta and Ellora Caves?
[A] Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism
[B] Christianity and Buddhism
[C] Sikhism and Jainism
[D] Islam and Hinduism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism]
Notes:
Ajanta Caves have Buddhist art; Ellora Caves represent Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain monuments, showcasing Maharashtra’s religious heritage from circa 2nd century BCE to 10th century CE. The caves are renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
13. The Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra were built mainly during which period?
[A] 4th century CE
[B] 1st century CE
[C] 9th century CE
[D] 2nd century BCE to 6th century CE
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [2nd century BCE to 6th century CE]
Notes:
The Ajanta Caves, near Aurangabad, Maharashtra, were made from the 2nd century BCE to 6th century CE. They showcase ancient Buddhist art, cave paintings of Jataka tales, and monastic architecture. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its cultural and artistic significance.
14. Consider the following statements about the Vakataka dynasty:
- The capital of the Vakataka dynasty was Nandivardhana in present-day Maharashtra.
- The Vakatakas are credited with commissioning the construction of the Ajanta Caves.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1
[B] Both 1 and 2
[C] Only 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Both 1 and 2]
Notes:Both statements are correct.
- Nandivardhana, near present-day Nagpur in Maharashtra, was an important capital of the Vakataka dynasty.
- The Vakatakas, under King Harishena, were major patrons of art and are credited with commissioning the construction of the Ajanta Caves, which represent a cultural zenith of ancient India.
15. The Ajanta range in Maharashtra serves as a watershed between which two river basins?
[A] Krishna and Bhima
[B] Godavari and Krishna
[C] Wardha and Wainganga
[D] Godavari and Tapi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Godavari and Tapi]
Notes:
The Ajanta range in Maharashtra acts as a watershed between the Godavari and Tapi river basins. It is composed mainly of basalt, supports deciduous forests, and features sites like the Ajanta Caves and wildlife sanctuaries. Major rivers rise on both slopes, draining into each respective basin.
16. Which Vakataka branch patronized the Ajanta Buddhist caves?
[A] Pravarapura-Nandivardhana
[B] Vatsagulma
[C] Chalukya
[D] Kadamba
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vatsagulma]
Notes:
Vatsagulma branch of the Vakataka dynasty under Harishena sponsored the Ajanta Caves’ construction. The Vakatakas ruled central India c. 250–500 CE. Vatsagulma was founded by Sarvasena. Harishena’s patronage enabled many artistic and architectural achievements at Ajanta.
17. Consider the following places:
- Mahabodhi Temple Complex, Bodh Gaya
- Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi
- Lumbini
- Ajanta and Ellora Caves
- Nalanda Mahavihara
- Borobudur Temple Compounds
- Paharpur, Bangladesh
Which of the above are inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
[A] Only 1, 2, 3, and 4
[B] 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 only
[C] All of the above
[D] Only 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [All of the above]
Notes:All the sites listed—Mahabodhi Temple Complex, Sanchi, Lumbini, Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Nalanda Mahavihara, Borobudur, and Paharpur—are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Mahabodhi Temple (India)
- Sanchi (India)
- Lumbini (Nepal)
- Ajanta and Ellora Caves (India)
- Nalanda Mahavihara (India)
- Borobudur (Indonesia)
- Paharpur (Bangladesh)
Each has been recognized for its outstanding historical and religious significance in Buddhist heritage.
18. Who founded the Ajanta Clock Company in Gujarat?
[A] J.R.D. Tata
[B] Dhirubhai Ambani
[C] Odhavji Raghavji Patel
[D] Verghese Kurien
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Odhavji Raghavji Patel]
Notes:
Ajanta Clock Company was established in 1971 by Odhavji Raghavji Patel in Gujarat.
19. In which Ajanta Cave can the “Swetagaja Jataka” painting be found?
[A] Cave 16
[B] Cave 2
[C] Cave 1
[D] Cave 10
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Cave 10]
Notes:
The “Swetagaja Jataka” mural is located in Ajanta Cave 10, dating to the 5th–6th century CE, depicting Jataka tales from Buddha’s previous lives; Ajanta is a UNESCO site managed by ASI.
20. Consider the following:
- Ajanta Caves
- Bagh Caves
- Udayagiri-Khandagiri Caves
Where will you find elaborate fresco paintings?
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2
[C] 1, 2 and 3
[D] 1 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 & 2]
Notes:
1. Ajanta Caves are renowned for their intricate frescoes depicting Buddhist themes, created during the 2nd century BCE to 6th century CE. 2. Bagh Caves, though less known, also feature wall paintings that illustrate Buddhist narratives, dating from a similar period as Ajanta. 3. Udayagiri-Khandagiri Caves, while historically important, primarily showcase rock-cut architecture and inscriptions rather than elaborate paintings. 4. Both Ajanta and Bagh demonstrate advanced artistic techniques and styles in their frescoes, contributing to the rich heritage of Indian cave art.
