Caves & Stupas — Set 4
Arts & Culture · गुफाएं और स्तूप · Questions 31–40 of 50
What does the 'Ashoka Chakra' at the center of the Indian national flag represent in the context of stupas?
Correct Answer: D. Wheel of Dharma
The chakra is the 'Dharmachakra' or the Wheel of the Law as taught by the Buddha. It was originally featured on the Sarnath Lion Capital placed by Emperor Ashoka. It symbolizes constant movement and progress according to ethical principles.
Which cave group in Maharashtra is known for the 'Trimurti' or triple-headed Shiva sculpture?
Correct Answer: B. Elephanta
The Sadashiva or Trimurti sculpture at Elephanta depicts Shiva as the Creator, Preserver, and Destroyer. It is considered one of the greatest achievements of Indian rock-cut sculpture. The faces are highly expressive and reflect deep spiritual concepts.
The rock-cut 'Pancha Pandava Rathas' at Mahabalipuram are often compared to caves but are technically?
Correct Answer: C. Free-standing temples
The Rathas are monolithic temples carved from single granite boulders during the Pallava period. Although they are rock-cut, they are meant to look like free-standing structural temples. Each of the five rathas represents a different architectural style of that era.
Which stupa is famous for its railings that depict the life of the Buddha in medallion forms?
Correct Answer: B. Bharhut
The Bharhut Stupa in Madhya Pradesh is renowned for its beautifully carved red sandstone railings. These medallions provide one of the earliest pictorial representations of Buddhist mythology. Many of the carvings include inscriptions naming the donors or the scenes depicted.
The 'Pandavleni Caves', a group of 24 Buddhist caves, are located near which city?
Correct Answer: B. Nashik
The Pandavleni Caves (or Trirashmi Caves) were carved between the 1st century BCE and the 3rd century CE. They belong mostly to the Hinayana tradition and are located in the Nashik district. The site offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape and city.
Which Indian stupa is often described as the 'Saririka Stupa' because it contains body relics?
Correct Answer: B. Sanchi
A Saririka Stupa is one that houses physical remains like bones or teeth of the Buddha or his disciples. Sanchi Stupa 3 is particularly famous for containing relics of Sariputra and Mahamoggallana. These relics were found in golden caskets during modern archaeological digs.
Which cave system is divided into 'Upper' and 'Lower' wings and is located in Gujarat?
Correct Answer: A. Baba Pyare Caves
The Baba Pyare Caves are part of the larger Buddhist complex in Junagadh. They are known for their intricate carvings and organized residential cells for monks. The site shows strong ties with the trade guilds that patronized Buddhist sites.
The triple umbrella at the top of a stupa represents the three jewels of Buddhism, which are?
Correct Answer: B. Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha
The 'Chhatra' symbolizes royalty and protection, with three tiers signifying the Buddha, his teachings (Dhamma), and the community (Sangha). They are supported by a central mast called the Yashti. This is the highest point of the stupa's vertical axis.
In which city can you find the 'Sitamadhi Cave', which is a rare isolated rock-cut chamber?
Correct Answer: A. Jehanabad
The correct answer is 'Jehanabad'. The Sitamadhi Cave in Bihar is a Mauryan era rock-cut chamber dedicated to an ascetic sect. It is carved out of a single large granite boulder rather than a hill range. It is often grouped with the Barabar and Nagarjuni caves for its stylistic similarity.
Which of the following sites features a stupa that has a square base with four smaller stupas at the corners?
Correct Answer: A. Bodh Gaya Temple Stupa
The Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya features a tall central stupa-like spire surrounded by smaller corner towers. This architectural style influenced temple building across Southeast Asia. The site commemorates the exact spot where Buddha attained enlightenment.