[Solved] Famous Buddhist Monasteries & Locations | UPSC 2014

With reference to Buddhist history, tradition and culture in India, consider the following pairs: Famous shrine Location
1. Tabo monastery and temple complex - Spiti Valley
2. Lhotsava Lhakhang temple, Nako - Zanskar Valley
3. Alchi temple complex - Ladakh Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

[UPSC CSE Pre 2014]

⚡ Generate AI Quick Summary

Correct Option: C

Pairs 1 and 3 are correct. Tabo Monastery is in Spiti Valley and Alchi is in Ladakh. Lhotsava Lhakhang (Nako) is in Kinnaur, not Zanskar Valley.

A. 1 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Analysis & Evidence

Concept

Buddhist monastic architecture in the Himalayas (Vajrayana tradition) often features unique wall paintings and mud-sculptures, reflecting a synthesis of Indian and Tibetan artistic styles.

Authentic Source Evidence

Historical records of Rinchen Zangpo's foundation activities identify Tabo in Spiti and Alchi in Ladakh. Nako is located in Kinnaur, not Zanskar.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Pair 1 is correct. Tabo Monastery, often called the 'Ajanta of the Himalayas,' is in the Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh.

Logic 2: Pair 2 is incorrect. Lhotsava Lhakhang is in Nako village, which is in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, not Zanskar (Ladakh).

Logic 3: Pair 3 is correct. Alchi is one of the oldest monastery complexes in Ladakh, famous for its Indo-Tibetan murals.

Historical Logic Quest

"Why is Tabo Monastery called the 'Ajanta of the Himalayas'?"

Because of its exquisite and well-preserved wall paintings and stucco sculptures that date back to the 10th-11th centuries, similar in artistic importance to Ajanta.

The Topper's Edge

"Geographical precision is key in UPSC; Nako and Spiti are often confused with Ladakh/Zanskar by students studying Himalayan Buddhism."

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