Question

Who were the creators of the Ajanta caves and under whose patronage?

• A. The caves were created by Hindu priests under the patronage of the Gupta dynasty
• B. The caves were created by Buddhist monks under the patronage of the Vakataka dynasty
• C. The caves were created by Jain monks under the patronage of the Maurya dynasty
• D. The caves were created by local artists under the patronage of the Chola dynasty

Answer 1

Answer:

B. The caves were created by Buddhist monks under the patronage of the Vakataka dynasty

- These caves were developed between 200 B.C. and 650 A.D. - The Ajanta caves were created by Buddhist monks under the patronage of the Vakataka dynasty, with King Harishena being a notable supporter. - References to the Ajanta caves can be found in the travel accounts of Chinese Buddhist pilgrims Fa Hien (who visited during the reign of Chandragupta II, 380-415 CE) and Hieun Tsang (who visited during Emperor Harshavardhana’s reign, 606-647 CE).