UPSC Prelims 2015 GS Paper I · Q54 of 100 History medium

With reference to the art and archaeological history of India, which one among the following was made earliest?

  1. (a) Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar
  2. (b) Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli ✓ UPSC's answer
  3. (c) Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram
  4. (d) Varaha Image at Udayagiri

Why the answer is (b)

• The rock-cut elephant at Dhauli near Bhubaneswar, carved above Ashoka's rock edicts around 260 BCE, is among the earliest known Indian rock sculptures — option (b).

• The Varaha image at Udayagiri (d) is Gupta, c. 400 CE; the Mahabalipuram monuments (c) are Pallava, 7th century; the Lingaraja temple (a) is Somavamshi, c. 11th century.

• Hence option (b).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar
Lingaraja temple is 11th century.
(c) Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram is 7th century.
(d) Varaha Image at Udayagiri
Udayagiri Varaha is c. 400 CE, later than Dhauli.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2015, held on 23 August 2015. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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