Question

With reference to the history of Indian rock-cut architecture, consider the following statements:

1. The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rockcut 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 The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya.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?

(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer 1

(b) The Barabar rock cut caves are the oldest rock cut caves. They were originally made for the Ajivikas during the Mauryan ** (322-185 BCE). The Ellora caves were built between 5th century and 10th century. There were 34 caves out of which 12 were Buddhist caves, 17 were Hindu caves and 5 were Jain caves. The proximity of the caves clearly demonstrates the religious harmony prevalent at that ** of time.