Consider the following statements about Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves:
1. These caves are near Bhubaneswar and were meant for Jain monks.
2. All caves are shaped like flowers and are carved from independent boulders.
3. Each cave has multiple shrines dedicated to different Buddhist deities.
Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Answer: Only 1
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: The Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves are located near Bhubaneswar, Odisha and were primarily built for Jain monks during the reign of King Kharavela.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The caves are not shaped like flowers, nor are they carved from independent boulders. They are rock-cut caves carved into hill slopes, not detached structures.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The caves are associated with Jainism, not Buddhism, and do not contain shrines dedicated to Buddhist deities.
Additional Key Facts:
Built in the 2nd century BCE.
Associated with the Mahameghavahana dynasty.
Udayagiri has more elaborate and decorated caves compared to Khandagiri.
Famous for inscriptions like the Hathigumpha inscription by King Kharavela.
Important example of early Indian rock-cut architecture.
Potential Exam-Oriented Questions & Answers:
Question: Who was the famous ruler associated with these caves?
Answer: King Kharavela.
Question: What is Hathigumpha inscription?
Answer: An important Jain inscription found in Udayagiri caves