Question

Which of the following statements accurately describes the Badami cave paintings?

• A. They primarily depict religious rituals inside Buddhist monasteries.
• B. The paintings are known for their geometric patterns and abstract forms.
• C. They portray palace scenes, including a depiction of Kirtivarman watching a dance performance.
• D. The paintings date back to the 3rd century BCE and show scenes from the Mauryan Empire.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. They portray palace scenes, including a depiction of Kirtivarman watching a dance performance.

Badami Cave Paintings Badami served as the capital of the early Chalukyan dynasty, which ruled the region between 543 and 598 CE. An inscription found in Cave No. 4, dated 578–579 CE, praises the beauty of the cave and records the dedication of an image of Vishnu. The cave paintings primarily depict palace scenes. One notable painting shows Kirtivarman, son of Pulakesin I and elder brother of Mangalesha, seated inside a palace alongside his wife and local chiefs, watching a dance performance. Stylistically, these paintings share similarities with those at Ajanta. The graceful lines, fluid figures, and densely arranged compositions reflect the remarkable skill and artistic maturity achieved by the painters in the 6th century CE.