Which of the following places is famous for Buddhist Cave Temples?

Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Mains) 2006

A. Elephanta
B. Nalanda
C. Ajanta
D. Khajuraho

Answer: Ajanta

Option c is the correct answer. Ajanta is one of the most famous and ancient sites of rockcut architecture in India, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ajanta has 29 caves that are renowned for their exquisite paintings and sculptures of Buddhist themes, created between the 2nd century BCE and the 6th century CE. Important Tips Ajanta Caves: The Ajanta Caves are a group of 29 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments dating from the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE in the Aurangabad District of Maharashtra state in India. The caves contain paintings and sculptures of Buddhist themes, depicting scenes from the life of Buddha, the Jataka tales, and the contemporary society and culture. The caves are divided into two phases: The earlier phase (caves 8 , 9 , 10 , 12 , 13 8,9,10,12,13 and 15 A ) was influenced by the Hinayana/Theravada school of Buddhism, where Buddha was worshipped in an aniconic/symbolic form; The later phase (the rest of the caves) was influenced by the Mahayana school of Buddhism, where Buddha was worshipped in an icon/idol form. The later caves are more elaborate and richly decorated with mural paintings and sculptures, executed in tempera technique Solution (b) Exp) Option b is the correct answer. Nalanda: This is an ancient center of learning and a Buddhist university located in Bihar, India. It was founded in the 5th century CE and flourished until the 12th century CE. It attracted scholars and students from various parts of India and abroad, such as China, Tibet, Korea, and Central Asia. It had a vast library and a curriculum that covered various subjects such as philosophy, logic, grammar, medicine, astronomy, and mathematics. Sarnath: This is a place in Uttar Pradesh, India, where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The sermon is known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta or the Setting in Motion of the Wheel of Dharma. Sarnath is one of the four holy sites of Buddhism and has many monuments such as the Dhamek Stupa, the Ashoka Pillar, and the Mulagandhakuti Vihara. The Ashoka Pillar has a lion capital that is the national emblem of India. Sanchi: This is a place in Madhya Pradesh, India, where there are several Buddhist stupas and other structures built between the 3rd century BCE and the 12th century CE. The stupas are hemispherical mounds that contain relics of Buddha or his followers. The most famous stupa is the Great Stupa, which was commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE and later enlarged and embellished by his successors. The stupa has four ornate gateways or toranas that depict scenes from Buddhist history and mythology. Sanchi is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Konarka: This is a place in Odisha, India, where there is a Hindu temple dedicated to the sun god Surya, located in Konark. It was built by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty in the 13th century CE. It is famous for its chariot-shaped design, intricate stone carvings, and erotic sculptures. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

© 2025 upscools. All Rights Reserved.