UPSC Prelims 2013 · Question 54 of 99
UPSC Prelims 2013 question on Rock Cut Architecture History
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2013
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectArt and Culture
- TopicIndian Architecture
- DifficultyHard
- TypeStatement
With reference to the history of Indian rock-cut architecture, consider the following statements:
1. The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India.
2. The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya.
3. At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Answer: C. 3 only
Verdict
Correct Answer: 3 only
Analysis
According to the official UPSC Answer Key for Prelims 2013 General Studies Paper, the correct option is 3 only.
The question is based on the chronology and religious association of Indian rock-cut cave architecture.
Statement by statement
1. The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India — Incorrect
Badami caves belong to the Chalukya period, around the 6th century CE.
They are not the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India.
The Barabar caves of Bihar, dating to the Mauryan period in the 3rd century BCE, are older.
2. Barabar caves were originally made by Chandragupta Maurya — Incorrect
Barabar caves were associated with the Ajivika sect.
They were commissioned mainly by Emperor Ashoka and his grandson Dasharatha.
They were not originally made by Chandragupta Maurya.
3. At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths — Correct
Ellora is known for its multi-religious cave architecture.
It has caves associated with Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism.
This makes Ellora different from Ajanta, which is mainly Buddhist.
Extra UPSC info
* Barabar caves are among the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India.
* Barabar caves are known for Mauryan polish and association with the Ajivika sect.
* Ajanta caves are mainly Buddhist and famous for paintings.
* Badami caves are associated with the Chalukyas and include Hindu and Jain themes.
* Ellora caves include Buddhist, Hindu and Jain caves.
* Kailasanatha Temple at Ellora is a famous monolithic rock-cut temple.
How to crack it
Badami caves are not the oldest and Barabar caves were not made by Chandragupta Maurya, while Ellora correctly represents multi-faith rock-cut architecture.