UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2016

What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram? 1. Both were built in the same period. 2. Both belong to the same religious denomination. 3. Both have rock-cut monuments. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. None of the statements given above is correct

Answer

Correct Answer

3 only

Explanation

Both Ajanta (Buddhist caves) and Mahabalipuram (Hindu monuments) feature rock-cut architecture, making statement 3 correct. They belong to different periods and different religious traditions, making statements 1 and 2 incorrect.

Topics: ajanta and mahabalipuram, architecture, art and culture, rock-cut monuments