Question

Consider the following statements about Gwalior Fort:

1. It is spread over a hilltop more than 2 km in length.

2. Its southern path features intricately carved rock-cut temples of Jain tirthankars.

3. The Caturbhuj Mandir within the fort is an example of a Vaisnavite shrine.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 2 and 3 only
• C. 1 and 3 only
• D. 1.2 and 3

Answer 1

Answer:

D. 1.2 and 3

• Dimensions and Location: The fort is indeed a sprawling complex, situated on a rocky hill. Statement 1 is correct as the fort extends over a plateau that is approximately 3 km (3000 meters) long and about 1 km (1000 meters) wide, with a sheer drop of about 100 meters. The hilltop itself is more than 2 km in length, fitting the description.

• Jain Rock-Cut Sculptures: Statement 2 is correct. The southern approaches to the fort contain impressive rock-cut caves and temples. Specifically, the Gopachal Parvat area on the southern side is famous for its numerous Jain rock-cut sculptures depicting Tirthankaras, carved in the 15th century by Jain monks.

• Caturbhuj Mandir: Statement 3 is correct. The Caturbhuj Mandir (temple) within the Gwalior Fort complex is a significant Vaisnavite shrine. It is notable for an inscription dated 876 CE, which records the donation of land by a king named Mihira Bhoja, mentioning the deity Vishnu. This inscription is one of the earliest instances of the Hindu numeral 'zero' being used in a recorded inscription.