The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft-illustrated paintings at
- (a) Ajanta ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) Badami
- (c) Bagh
- (d) Ellora
Why the answer is (a)
• The Bodhisattva Padmapani (lotus-bearer, a form of Avalokiteshvara) is the celebrated mural on the left of the shrine entrance in Cave 1 at Ajanta, Maharashtra, painted in the late 5th century under the Vakatakas — option (a).
• Its serene, half-closed eyes and jewelled crown make it the emblem of Ajanta art; Vajrapani faces it on the right.
• Badami (b) has Chalukya cave paintings, Bagh (c) Gupta-era murals, Ellora (d) mostly sculpture with few surviving paintings.
• Hence option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) Badami
- Badami's paintings are Chalukyan, not the Padmapani.
- (c) Bagh
- Bagh has Gupta-era murals but not this painting.
- (d) Ellora
- Ellora is known for sculpture, not this mural.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2017, held on 18 June 2017. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.