1. Consider the following:
- Ajanta Caves
- Bagh Caves
- Udayagiri-Khandagiri Caves
Where will you find elaborate fresco paintings?
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2
[C] 1, 2 and 3
[D] 1 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 & 2]
Notes:
1. Ajanta Caves are renowned for their intricate frescoes depicting Buddhist themes, created during the 2nd century BCE to 6th century CE. 2. Bagh Caves, though less known, also feature wall paintings that illustrate Buddhist narratives, dating from a similar period as Ajanta. 3. Udayagiri-Khandagiri Caves, while historically important, primarily showcase rock-cut architecture and inscriptions rather than elaborate paintings. 4. Both Ajanta and Bagh demonstrate advanced artistic techniques and styles in their frescoes, contributing to the rich heritage of Indian cave art.
2. Consider the following:
- Ajanta Caves
- Kailasa Temple
- Sittannavasal Cave
Which of the following is the correct order of the above from west to east?
[A] 1 2 3
[B] 2 1 3
[C] 3 2 1
[D] 1 3 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1 2 3]
Notes:
The Ajanta Caves, located in Maharashtra, represent ancient rock-cut Buddhist architecture and are situated more to the west. The Kailasa Temple, also in Maharashtra, is a remarkable monolithic structure, slightly east of Ajanta. Finally, the Sittannavasal Cave, known for its exquisite paintings, is located in Tamil Nadu, further east from both Ajanta and Kailasa. Thus, the correct order is Ajanta Caves (1), Kailasa Temple (2), and Sittannavasal Cave (3). Thus, the correct order is 1 2 3.
3. Consider the following:
- Ajanta Caves
- Ellora Caves
- Nalanda University
Which of the following is the correct order of the above from west to east?
[A] 1 2 3
[B] 2 1 3
[C] 3 2 1
[D] 2 3 1
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [2 1 3]
Notes:
The Ellora Caves are located in Maharashtra, which is to the west of India. The Ajanta Caves, also in Maharashtra but slightly eastward, are famous for their rock-cut architecture and Buddhist paintings. Nalanda University, situated in Bihar, is located further east and was a renowned center of learning. Thus, the correct order is Ellora (west) → Ajanta (east) → Nalanda (further east). Thus, the correct order is 2 1 3.
4. Consider the following pairs:
| Dashapura | Great centre of textiles production |
| Ajanta | Famous for its rock-cut caves and frescoes |
| Kamarupa | Known for its silk weaving |
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
[A] Only one pair
[B] Only two pairs
[C] All three pairs
[D] None of the pairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [All three pairs]
Notes:- Dashapura: It was indeed a center for textiles production during the ancient period, contributing to the rich textile heritage of India.
- Ajanta: The Ajanta caves are renowned for their stunning rock-cut architecture and intricate frescoes that depict various aspects of life and Buddhism, making this pair correct.
- Kamarupa: This region was known for its high-quality silk weaving, which has been historically significant in the textile industry of India.
Thus, all three pairs are correct.
5. Consider the following:
- Ajanta Caves
- Ellora Caves
- Badami Caves
- Udayagiri Caves
Which of the following is the correct order of the above from north to south?
[A] 1 2 3 4
[B] 4 1 2 3
[C] 3 4 1 2
[D] 2 1 4 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [4 1 2 3]
Notes:The Udayagiri Caves are located in Madhya Pradesh and are situated to the north. Please check this map:
6. Consider the following:
- Pahargarh Caves
- Bagh Caves
- Ajanta Caves
Which of the above is/are known for prehistoric paintings?
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 2
[C] 1, 2 and 3
[D] 1, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Only 1 & 2]
Notes:
Pahargarh Caves are renowned for their prehistoric paintings, showcasing ancient artistic expressions. Bagh Caves also feature remarkable murals and paintings from the 5th to 6th centuries, illustrating Buddhist themes. Ajanta Caves, while famous for their intricate frescoes and sculptures, primarily date from the 2nd century BCE to 6th century CE and depict Buddhist narratives rather than prehistoric art. Thus, only Pahargarh and Bagh Caves are noted for prehistoric artworks.
7. Ajanta and Ellora caves, recently seen in the news, are located in which state?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Gujarat
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Rajasthan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Maharashtra ]
Notes:
The Ministry of Tourism has added Ajanta and Ellora caves in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to its Swadesh Darshan Scheme II. Located in Maharashtra, these UNESCO World Heritage sites boast 29 Ajanta and 34 Ellora caves, showcasing ancient rock-cut marvels from 2nd century BC to 11th century AD. Ajanta, predominantly Buddhist, served as a retreat, while Ellora displays a mix of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist structures. The Kailash Temple in Ellora, a monolithic marvel, took 18 years to carve and is designated as a UNESCO site.
8. Who is the recipient of Padmapani Lifetime Achievement Award at the upcoming Ajanta-Ellora Film Festival – 2024?
[A] Gulzar
[B] Prasoon Joshi
[C] Javed Akhtar
[D] Paresh Rawal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Javed Akhtar ]
Notes:
Javed Akhtar, a renowned lyricist-screenwriter, will be honored with the Padmapani Lifetime Achievement Award at the upcoming Ajanta-Ellora Film Festival. Acknowledged for his substantial contributions to the Indian film industry, Akhtar is known for his work in iconic Hindi films like “Zanjeer,” “Deewaar,” “Sholay,” “Don,” “Kaala Patthar,” and “Mr India.” The award will be presented to him at the festival’s ninth edition, during the opening day ceremony at the Rukmini Auditorium in MGM University, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, on January 3, 2024.
9. Which of the following Buddhist sites in India are also the UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
- Ellora Caves
- Ajanta Caves
- Elephanta Caves
- Mahabodhi Temple
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
[A] Only 1 & 2
[B] Only 1, 2 & 3
[C] Only 2, 3 & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1, 2, 3 & 4 ]
Notes:
The Ellora Caves, Ajanta Caves, and Elephanta Caves are UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Maharashtra, featuring Buddhist monuments and rock-cut caves. The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, is also a UNESCO site, marking the location of Buddha’s enlightenment.
10. Which of the following festivals is/are celebrated in the Indian state of Maharashtra?
- Kala Ghoda Arts
- Ellora-Ajanta International Festival
- Surajkund Crafts Mela
- Indian Art Fair
Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:
[A] Only 2
[B] Only 1 & 2
[C] Only 1, 2 & 4
[D] 1, 2, 3 & 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 1 & 2]
Notes:- The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival was started in 1999. The festival is organised by the Kala Ghoda Association.
- Ellora-Ajanta international festival showcases talents of classical music and dance from all over the world. It is organized by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation.
- Surajkund Crafts Mela is organized by the Surajkund Mela Authority & Haryana Tourism in collaboration with Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture and External Affairs. For the 35thSurajkund International Crafts Mela-2022, the ‘Theme State’ is Jammu & Kashmir and Uzbekistan is the partner nation.
- The Indian Art Fair was conceived in 2008 by Neha Kirpal, a graduate from Lady Shri Ram College in New Delhi. Starting from the 4th edition, the venue was shifted to NSIC grounds, Okhla, Delhi.
