Question

The famous cave temples of Ajanta and Ellora primarily belong to which religious tradition?

• A. Hinduism
• B. Jainism
• C. Buddhism
• D. Sikhism

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Buddhism

Cave temples of Ajanta and Ellora

• The famous cave temples of Ajanta and Ellora primarily belong to the Buddhist religious tradition.
• These cave complexes, located in the state of Maharashtra, India, contain numerous rock-cut caves and monastic cells adorned with exquisite Buddhist sculptures, paintings, and architectural features.
• They are renowned for their historical and artistic significance and are considered important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ajanta Caves:

• The Ajanta Caves are situated in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India.
• The Ajanta Caves date back to the 2nd century BCE to the 480 CE, spanning several centuries.
• These Caves are primarily associated with Buddhism and served as monastic retreats for Buddhist monks.
• They consist of around 29 rock-cut caves, including prayer halls, chaityas (stupas), and viharas (monastic cells).
• The Ajanta Caves are renowned for their exquisite frescoes, sculptures, and paintings that depict various Jataka tales (stories of the previous lives of Buddha), scenes from the life of Buddha, and other religious and secular subjects.
• These artworks are considered masterpieces of ancient Indian art.

Ellora Caves:

• The Ellora Caves are also located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, not far from the Ajanta Caves.
• The Ellora Caves span a more extended period, dating from the 6th century CE to the 9th century CE.
• Unlike the primarily Buddhist Ajanta Caves, Ellora represents a blend of multiple religious traditions.
• The complex includes caves dedicated to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism, making it a symbol of religious harmony in ancient India.
• The Ellora Caves consist of around 100 caves, including Buddhist viharas, Hindu temples, and Jain monasteries.
• The most famous cave is Kailash Temple, a remarkable monolithic structure dedicated to Lord Shiva, carved from a single rock.
• Ellora's sculptures and carvings are equally stunning, with intricate detailing and craftsmanship.
• The Kailash Temple, in particular, is a testament to the architectural and artistic achievements of its time.