The rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora, famous for their murals and sculptures, are located in which present-day state of India?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Correct Answer
Maharashtra
Explanation
The famous rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora are located in the state of Maharashtra, India. The Ajanta caves are primarily known for their exquisite Buddhist murals, while the Ellora caves are renowned for their monumental rock-cut architecture, representing a unique blend of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monuments. Both sites are designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites and are celebrated as masterpieces of ancient Indian art and engineering.
Key Points
The Ajanta caves date from the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE and depict scenes from the Jataka tales. The Ellora caves date from the 6th to the 10th century, with the 'Kailasa Temple' (Cave 16) being world-famous for being carved from a single monolithic rock. These caves not only showcase artistic excellence but also reflect the religious harmony and tolerance prevalent in ancient India.
Important Questions and Answers
Question: Under whose patronage was the Kailasa Temple at Ellora built?
Answer: The Kailasa Temple was built under the patronage of the Rashtrakuta dynasty, specifically during the reign of King Krishna I.
Question: What is the main difference between the Ajanta and Ellora caves?
Answer: The main difference is that the Ajanta caves are primarily focused on Buddhist art and painting (murals), whereas the Ellora caves are architecturally larger and feature a syncretic collection of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain monuments.