Caves & Stupas — Set 3
Arts & Culture · गुफाएं और स्तूप · Questions 21–30 of 50
Which cave site features the 'Ravan Phadi' cave, one of the earliest examples of Hindu cave temples in South India?
Correct Answer: A. Aihole
Ravan Phadi is a 6th-century rock-cut temple in Aihole, Karnataka. It is famous for its large sculpture of a dancing Shiva (Nataraja) surrounded by other deities. Aihole is often called the 'Cradle of Indian Temple Architecture' for its diverse experiments.
The 'Mahaparinirvana Stupa', located where Buddha attained his final departure, is situated in?
Correct Answer: C. Kushinagar
Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh is the holy site where Gautama Buddha passed away. The modern stupa stands over the ancient site where the Buddha was cremated. A famous 6-meter long reclining statue of the Buddha is located in the adjacent temple.
The rock-cut caves at Junagadh, Gujarat, were primarily used by which religious community?
Correct Answer: A. Buddhists
The correct answer is 'Buddhists'. The Junagadh group, including the Khapra Kodia and Baba Pyare caves, are Buddhist monastic complexes. They feature unique rock-cut wells and assembly halls. Some parts of these caves date back to the 2nd century BCE, making them very ancient.
The 'Kailasa Temple' at Ellora, a massive monolithic structure, was built by which Rashtrakuta king?
Correct Answer: C. Krishna I
King Krishna I commissioned the Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) in the 8th century CE. It is an extraordinary feat where an entire mountain was carved from top to bottom. The temple is designed to resemble Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva.
Which part of a stupa provides a path for devotees to walk around the sacred mound in a clockwise direction?
Correct Answer: A. Pradakshina Patha
The Pradakshina Patha is a raised circular path intended for the ritual of circumambulation. Devotees walk along this path to show reverence to the relics stored within the stupa. It is usually enclosed by a stone railing or 'Vedika'.
Which cave site is situated on the Waghora River and is shaped like a horseshoe?
Correct Answer: C. Ajanta
Ajanta's 30 caves are carved into the side of a steep horseshoe-shaped cliff. This natural formation provided a secluded and serene environment for Buddhist monks. The river Waghora flows at the base of the gorge.
What is the term for the residential quarters for monks found in most rock-cut cave complexes?
Correct Answer: C. Vihara
Viharas were designed as dormitories where monks lived, studied, and meditated. They typically consist of a central hall with small individual cells carved into the walls. In later periods, Viharas also started containing small shrines with Buddha images.
The 'Bharhut Stupa' carvings, many of which are now in the Kolkata Museum, are known for which style?
Correct Answer: A. Archaic and symbolic
The correct answer is 'Archaic and symbolic'. Carvings at Bharhut represent an early stage of Indian art where symbols like the Bodhi tree or footprints represented the Buddha. The reliefs are highly detailed and depict daily life and folk beliefs of the 2nd century BCE. The site was discovered by Alexander Cunningham in 1873.
The 'Mandapeshwar Caves' in Mumbai are unique because they were later converted into which type of structure?
Correct Answer: C. A church
Originally Hindu rock-cut shrines, these caves were utilized as a church by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Traces of this Christian usage are still visible alongside the original Shaivite carvings. This makes Mandapeshwar a rare example of religious layering in Indian architecture.
The 'Kesaria Stupa', often cited as the tallest stupa in the world, is located in which state?
Correct Answer: C. Bihar
Kesaria Stupa is located in the East Champaran district of Bihar. It is a massive structure that rises to a height of about 104 feet. It dates back to the Pala and Gupta periods and is significantly larger than the Sanchi stupa.