Consider the following pairs:Site Well known for 1. Besnagar Shaivite cave shrine. 2. Bhaja Buddhist cave shrine 3. Sittanavasal Jain cave shrine
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
Only two
Analyzing Ancient Indian Sites and Their Religious Connections
The question asks us to evaluate three pairs of ancient Indian sites and the religious affiliations they are well known for, specifically focusing on cave shrines.
Let's examine each pair carefully:
Pair 1: Besnagar and Shaivite cave shrine
Besnagar is the ancient name for Vidisha, located in Madhya Pradesh. While the region has a long history and connection to various religions, Besnagar is most notably famous for the Heliodorus pillar (also known as the Garuda Pillar), erected by Heliodorus, an Indo-Greek ambassador, dedicated to Vasudeva (Vishnu). This monument is associated with the Vaishnavite tradition, a branch of Hinduism. While there might be other historical remains in the Vidisha area, Besnagar itself is not primarily identified or well-known for significant Shaivite cave shrines in the context of major historical sites. Therefore, this pair appears to be mismatched.
Pair 2: Bhaja and Buddhist cave shrine
The Bhaja Caves are a group of rock-cut caves located near Pune, Maharashtra. These caves are among the oldest Buddhist rock-cut caves in India, dating back to the 2nd century BCE. They consist of chaityas (prayer halls) and viharas (monasteries) and are clearly associated with early Buddhist architecture and monastic life. They are indeed prominent examples of Buddhist cave shrines. Thus, this pair is correctly matched.
Pair 3: Sittanavasal and Jain cave shrine
Sittanavasal is a village in Tamil Nadu, famous for its rock-cut cave temple and the paintings found within it. The Sittanavasal cave temple (Arivar Koil) is a significant Jain site, containing frescoes from the 7th century (Pallava period) and later additions from the Pandya period. The paintings and sculptures are clearly related to Jain themes and figures (like Tirthankaras and Samavasarana). It served as a monastery and temple for Jain monks. Therefore, this pair is also correctly matched.
Summary of Pair Analysis
| Site | Well known for | Religious Affiliation | Match Correct? |
| 1. Besnagar | Shaivite cave shrine | Primarily Vaishnavite (Heliodorus pillar), ancient Vidisha history. Not known for major Shaivite cave shrines. | Incorrect |
| 2. Bhaja | Buddhist cave shrine | Buddhist (early rock-cut caves) | Correct |
| 3. Sittanavasal | Jain cave shrine | Jain (cave temple and frescoes) | Correct |
Based on the analysis, two pairs are correctly matched: Bhaja (Buddhist cave shrine) and Sittanavasal (Jain cave shrine).
Revision Table: Important Cave Sites in India
| Site Name | Location | Key Religious Affiliation(s) | Period |
| Ajanta Caves | Maharashtra | Buddhist | c. 2nd century BCE to c. 480 CE |
| Ellora Caves | Maharashtra | Buddhist, Hindu (Shaivite, Vaishnavite), Jain | c. 600 to 1000 CE |
| Elephanta Caves | Maharashtra | Hindu (Shaivite) | c. 5th to 8th century CE |
| Karla Caves | Maharashtra | Buddhist | c. 2nd century BCE to c. 5th century CE |
| Bhaja Caves | Maharashtra | Buddhist | c. 2nd century BCE |
| Sittanavasal Caves | Tamil Nadu | Jain | c. 7th to 9th century CE |
| Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves | Odisha | Jain | c. 2nd century BCE |
| Badami Cave Temples | Karnataka | Hindu (Shaivite, Vaishnavite), Jain | c. 6th century CE |
Additional Information on Indian Rock-Cut Architecture
Indian rock-cut architecture is a significant part of the country's ancient and medieval history. It involves carving out structures, temples, and monasteries directly from solid rock.
- These sites served various religious communities, including Buddhists, Hindus, and Jains.
- Early rock-cut caves were often simple monasteries and prayer halls (viharas and chaityas) for monks.
- Later periods saw the creation of elaborate temples with detailed sculptures and paintings, depicting mythological scenes, religious figures, and daily life.
- Key regions for rock-cut architecture include Maharashtra, Karnataka, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu.
- The practice demonstrates remarkable engineering skills and artistic achievements of ancient India.
Similar Questions
With reference to Indian history, consider the following texts:
1. Nettipakarana
2. Parishishtaparvan
3. Avadanashataka
4. Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana
Which of the above are Jaina texts?
With reference to Indian history, consider the following pairs: Historical person Known as
1. Aryadeva – Jaina scholar
2. Dignaga – Buddhist scholar
3. Nathamuni – Vaishnava scholar
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct?
"Yogavasistha" was translated into Persian by Nizamuddin Panipati during the reign of:
With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements :
1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin.
2. Stupa was generally a repository of relics.
3. Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in the Buddhist tradition.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Which one of the following explains the practice of 'Vattakirutal' as mentioned in Sangam poems?
With reference to ancient Indian History, consider the following pairs:
Literary work
Author
(1)
Devichandragupta Bilhana (2)
Hammira-Mahakavya Nayachandra Suri (3)
Milinda-panha Nagarjuna (4)
Nitivakyamrita Somadeva Suri
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?"Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water and many other natural. objects not looked on as living by other religious sects." The above statement reflects one of the core beliefs of which one of the following religious sects of ancient India?
Consider the following statements:
Statement-I:7th August is declared as the National Handloom Day.
Statement-II :It was in 1905 that the Swadeshi Movement was launched on the same day.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Consider the following statements in respect of the National Flag of India according to the Flag Code of India, 2002 :
Statement-I:One of the standard sizes of the National Flag of India is 600 mm × 400 mm.
Statement-II:The ratio of the length to the height (width) of the Flag shall be 3 : 2
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Important Questions from Art and Culture
With reference to Indian history, consider the following texts:
1. Nettipakarana
2. Parishishtaparvan
3. Avadanashataka
4. Trishashtilakshana Mahapurana
Which of the above are Jaina texts?
With reference to Indian history, consider the following pairs: Historical person Known as
1. Aryadeva – Jaina scholar
2. Dignaga – Buddhist scholar
3. Nathamuni – Vaishnava scholar
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct?
"Yogavasistha" was translated into Persian by Nizamuddin Panipati during the reign of:
The Chief food of this state is :
