Caves & Rock-Cut — Set 3
Famous Places · गुफाएं और शिलाकृत · Questions 21–30 of 60
In which state are the Tabo Caves, located near a famous 10th-century monastery, situated?
Correct Answer: D. Himachal Pradesh
The correct answer is 'Himachal Pradesh'. The Tabo Caves are used by Buddhist monks for meditation and retreat in the Spiti Valley. They are situated close to the Tabo Monastery, often called the 'Ajanta of the Himalayas'. These caves are simple yet spiritually significant for the local community.
The Udayagiri Caves in Madhya Pradesh, featuring the famous Varaha (Boar) avatar relief, belong to which era?
Correct Answer: A. Gupta Era
The Udayagiri Caves were patronized by Chandragupta II and date back to the early 5th century. The relief of Lord Vishnu as Varaha saving the Earth is a masterpiece of Gupta art. This site is distinct from the Udayagiri caves found in Odisha.
Which cave complex is also known as the 'Ghara-puri' caves by the local population?
Correct Answer: C. Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Caves were renamed by Portuguese explorers after a giant stone elephant they found on the island. The local name 'Gharapuri' refers to the ancient city of fortifications. These caves primarily celebrate the diverse forms of the Hindu deity Shiva.
The Bhaja Caves, which feature the earliest depictions of wooden architecture in stone, are located in which district?
Correct Answer: D. Pune
The Bhaja Caves are a group of 22 rock-cut caves located near Pune. They date back to the 2nd century BCE and are important for studying early Buddhist Chaityas. The stone ribs in the ceiling imitate the wooden beams of that era's structures.
In which state are the Edakkal Caves, containing Neolithic petroglyphs (rock carvings), located?
Correct Answer: A. Kerala
The correct answer is 'Kerala'. The Edakkal Caves are situated on Ambukuthi Hills in the Wayanad district. They are not technically caves but a rock shelter formed by a large boulder wedged between two rocks. The carvings represent one of the few examples of prehistoric art in South India.
The Masroor Rock-Cut Temple, often called the 'Himalayan Pyramids', is located in which state?
Correct Answer: C. Himachal Pradesh
The correct answer is 'Himachal Pradesh'. The Masroor temples are located in the Kangra Valley and are carved out of a single sandstone ridge. They are dedicated to Lord Rama and are unique for their Nagara architectural style. This site is one of the few rock-cut temples in North India.
The Kotumsar Cave, known for its blind fish species, is part of which National Park?
Correct Answer: A. Kanger Valley National Park
The correct answer is 'Kanger Valley National Park'. Kotumsar is a natural limestone cave located in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. It features several underground chambers with stunning dripstone formations. The cave remains completely dark, leading to the evolution of blind fish and crickets.
Which cave site in Karnataka is famous for its elaborate carvings of Lord Vishnu in various avatars?
Correct Answer: D. Badami Caves
The third cave at Badami is the largest and most ornate, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It features magnificent carvings of Narasimha, Varaha, and Trivikrama. The site reflects the artistic patronage and religious tolerance of the Early Chalukya kings.
The Lomas Rishi Cave, famous for its ornamental arch resembling a wooden structure, is located in which state?
Correct Answer: A. Bihar
The correct answer is 'Bihar'. The Lomas Rishi Cave is part of the Barabar hill complex in the Jehanabad district. Its entrance arch is decorated with a row of elephants paying homage to Buddhist stupas. It is a critical landmark in the history of Indian rock-cut architecture.
The Mandapeshwar Caves, which were later converted into a church by the Portuguese, are located in which city?
Correct Answer: C. Mumbai
These 8th-century Hindu caves are located in Borivali, Mumbai. They were originally dedicated to Shiva but were modified during the 16th century by Portuguese priests. Today, both Hindu and Christian elements can be observed at the site.