What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram? 1. Both were built in the same period. 2. Both belong to the same religious denomination. 3. Both have rock-cut monuments. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) None of the statements given above is correct
Why the answer is (b)
• Both Ajanta (Maharashtra) and Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu) have rock-cut monuments — Ajanta's Buddhist caves and Mahabalipuram's Pallava rathas, mandapas and reliefs (statement 3).
• Statement 1 is wrong: Ajanta was carved between the 2nd century BCE and 6th century CE (Satavahana–Vakataka), while Mahabalipuram dates to the 7th–8th century CE (Pallavas).
• Statement 2 is wrong: Ajanta is Buddhist, Mahabalipuram Hindu (Shaiva and Vaishnava).
• Hence 3 only, option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- Statements 1 and 2 are wrong: different periods and religions.
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- Statement 1 is wrong: they belong to different periods.
- (d) None of the statements given above is correct
- Statement 3 is correct: both have rock-cut monuments.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2016, held on 7 August 2016. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.