UPSC Prelims 2021 GS Paper I · Q49 of 98 History easy

Which one of the following statements is correct?

  1. (a) Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of Waghora river. ✓ UPSC's answer
  2. (b) Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of Chambal river.
  3. (c) Pandu-lena Cave Shrines lie in the gorge of Narmada river.
  4. (d) Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of Godavari river.

Why the answer is (a)

• The 30 Ajanta caves are cut into a horseshoe-shaped cliff above the gorge of the Waghora (Waghur) river in Aurangabad district, Maharashtra — option (a).

• Sanchi Stupa stands on a hill near the Betwa river in Madhya Pradesh, not in the Chambal gorge (b).

• Pandu-lena (Pandavleni) caves are on Trirashmi hill near Nashik, close to the Godavari, not the Narmada (c).

• Amaravati Stupa lies on the Krishna river in Andhra Pradesh, not the Godavari (d).

• Hence option (a).

Why the other options are wrong

(b) Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of Chambal river.
Sanchi is near the Betwa, not the Chambal.
(c) Pandu-lena Cave Shrines lie in the gorge of Narmada river.
Pandu-lena is near Nashik on the Godavari side, not the Narmada.
(d) Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of Godavari river.
Amaravati is on the Krishna, not the Godavari.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2021, held on 10 October 2021. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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