SSC Selection Post 2025 PYQ — Question 11

SSC Selection Post - Graduation Level - 24th July 2025 - Shift 3 • General Awareness • Q11

Read the below statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Mark the correct options:
Assertion (A): The murals in Tirumalaipuram and Sittanavasal caves are important surviving examples of Pandya art.
Reason (R): These murals are mainly found on the outer walls of temples and depict mythological war scenes.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

Correct Answer:

A is true, but R is false

Explanation:

Assertion (A) is true because the murals in the Tirumalaipuram and Sittanavasal caves are regarded as important surviving examples of Pandya art. These paintings reflect the rich tradition of South Indian mural painting and are valuable sources for understanding the artistic achievements of the Pandya period.

Reason (R) is false because these murals are primarily found on the interior walls and ceilings of caves, not on the outer walls of temples. Moreover, they mainly depict religious, spiritual, natural, and everyday-life themes rather than mythological war scenes.

Key Points:

• The Tirumalaipuram and Sittanavasal caves are important centers of Pandya art.
• The Sittanavasal murals are associated with Jain themes.
• These paintings are found on the inner walls and ceilings of caves.
• The description given in Reason (R) regarding the location and subject matter of the murals is incorrect.

Additional Facts:

• The Sittanavasal cave is located in Tamil Nadu.
• The mural paintings of Sittanavasal are often compared with the Ajanta murals.
• The Pandya rulers were important patrons of art and architecture in South India.

Important Questions:

Q1: In which state are the Sittanavasal caves located?
Ans: Tamil Nadu.

Q2: The murals of Sittanavasal are mainly associated with which religion?
Ans: Jainism.

Q3: The murals of Tirumalaipuram and Sittanavasal caves are examples of which artistic tradition?
Ans: Pandya art.