Question

Which of the following is correct about Ajanta Caves?

(i) Rock-cut cave

(ii) Second century BC to Seventh century AD

(iii) Paintings and Sculptures

(iv) Caves are of two types, Vihara and Chaitya

• A. Only (i)
• B. Only (ii) and (iii)
• C. Only (iii) and (iv)
• D. All the above, (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)

Answer 1

Answer:

D. All the above, (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)

• Rock-cut cave: The Ajanta Caves are indeed rock-cut caves, carved out of the basalt cliffs of the Sahyadri hills.  

• Second century BC to Seventh century AD: The caves were excavated in two distinct phases, the earliest starting around the 2nd century BC and the later phase extending from the 5th to the 7th century AD.  

• Paintings and Sculptures: The Ajanta Caves are renowned for their exquisite murals and sculptures, which depict the life of the Buddha, Jataka tales, and various deities.  

• Caves are of two types, Vihara and Chaitya: The caves at Ajanta consist of both Viharas (monasteries, dwelling places for monks) and Chaityas (prayer halls with stupas).