Caves & Stupas — Set 1
Arts & Culture · गुफाएं और स्तूप · Questions 1–10 of 50
Which of the following sites contains the earliest rock-cut caves in India, dating back to the Mauryan period?
Correct Answer: C. Barabar Caves
The Barabar Caves in Bihar are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India. They were mostly excavated during the reign of Emperor Ashoka for the Ajivika sect. These caves feature a highly polished internal surface known as the Mauryan polish.
The famous Great Stupa at Sanchi was originally commissioned by which Indian emperor?
Correct Answer: D. Ashoka
Emperor Ashoka the Great commissioned the Great Stupa at Sanchi in the 3rd century BCE. It was intended to house the relics of Lord Buddha and spread Dhamma. The stone railings and gateways were added later by the Shunga and Satavahana dynasties.
In which state are the Ajanta Caves, famous for their ancient Buddhist paintings and sculptures, located?
Correct Answer: C. Maharashtra
The Ajanta Caves are situated in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. These caves were built in two phases, spanning from the 2nd century BCE to the 5th century CE. They are a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for masterpieces of Buddhist religious art.
What is the hemispherical dome-like structure of a Buddhist stupa called?
Correct Answer: A. Anda
The 'Anda' represents the mound of the earth or the universe in Buddhist symbolism. It rests on a square base and is topped by a square railing. This architectural feature is central to the design of all traditional stupas.
Which cave system is famous for the 'Vishvakarma Cave', which is a rare example of a multi-storied rock-cut monastery?
Correct Answer: D. Ellora
The Vishvakarma Cave is Cave 10 at the Ellora complex and serves as a major Chaitya hall. It is popularly known as the 'Carpenter's Cave' because the stone was carved to look like wooden beams. Ellora is unique for housing Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monuments together.
The 'Lion Capital', which is now the National Emblem of India, was originally found at which stupa site?
Correct Answer: C. Sarnath
The Lion Capital was originally placed atop the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath where Buddha gave his first sermon. It features four Asiatic lions standing back to back on a circular abacus. Sarnath is one of the four most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists.
The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are located in which Indian state?
Correct Answer: D. Odisha
These caves near Bhubaneswar in Odisha were carved out as residential blocks for Jain monks. They were largely patronized by King Kharavela of the Mahameghavahana dynasty. The Hathigumpha inscription found here provides detailed historical records of his reign.
Which part of a stupa refers to the stone gateways often decorated with intricate narrative carvings?
Correct Answer: D. Torana
Toranas are the ceremonial gateways located at the four cardinal points of a stupa. At Sanchi, these gateways are famous for depicting scenes from the Jataka tales. They represent a transition from wooden architecture to stone carving.
Which of the following caves is located on an island near the Mumbai coast?
Correct Answer: A. Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Caves are located on Gharapuri Island and are dedicated mostly to Lord Shiva. They date back to the 5th to 8th centuries and are famous for the massive Trimurti sculpture. The island was named Elephanta by Portuguese explorers after a large stone elephant statue.
The 'Dhamekh Stupa', which marks the exact spot of the Buddha's first sermon, is located in?
Correct Answer: B. Sarnath
The Dhamekh Stupa is a massive cylindrical structure located at Sarnath near Varanasi. It was built during the Gupta period over an earlier Mauryan foundation. Sarnath is historically significant as the place where the 'Wheel of Dhamma' was first set in motion.