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Question

Consider the following statements about Ajanta Cave paintings :
1. The paintings depict yakshas, gandharvas and apsaras.
2. The artists have used the technique of providing "multiple perspectives".
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

This question was previously asked in
CDS 2 2025 Maths Question Paper (14-Sep-2025)
The correct answer is
Both 1 and 2

Understanding Ajanta Cave Paintings

The Ajanta Caves, located in Maharashtra, India, are a series of rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments dating from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 CE. They are famous for their exquisite wall paintings and sculptures, which are considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art and have had a significant influence on Indian art and culture.

Analyzing the Statements on Ajanta Paintings

Let's examine each statement provided about the Ajanta Cave paintings:

  • Statement 1: The paintings depict yakshas, gandharvas and apsaras.

    This statement is correct. The narrative panels in the Ajanta caves, often illustrating Jataka tales (stories of the Buddha's previous lives), Buddhist deities, and scenes from contemporary life, frequently include figures like yakshas (nature spirits), gandharvas (celestial musicians), and apsaras (celestial dancers/nymphs). These figures add richness and divinity to the compositions.

  • Statement 2: The artists have used the technique of providing "multiple perspectives".

    This statement is also correct. Ajanta artists were masters of their craft and employed sophisticated techniques. The "multiple perspectives" technique refers to how they depicted figures and scenes. They often showed figures from different angles within the same composition or used foreshortening and dynamic lines to suggest movement and volume. This creates a lively and engaging visual narrative, departing from simple, static representations.

Conclusion on Ajanta Painting Statements

Since both statement 1 (regarding the depiction of figures like yakshas, gandharvas, and apsaras) and statement 2 (regarding the use of the "multiple perspectives" technique) accurately describe characteristics of the Ajanta Cave paintings, the correct option is the one that includes both.

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Similar Questions

  1. Consider the following statements about Ellora:
    1. This art-historical site is associated exclusively with Buddhism.
    2. The Kailasa temple at Ellora has been built of dressed stone and kiln fired bricks.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Important Questions from Art and Culture of India

  1. With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements : 

    1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism. 

    2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment. 

    3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  2. 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.

  3. In the context of the history of India, consider the following pairs: 

          Term         Description 

    (1) Eripatti : Land, revenue from which was set apart for the maintenance of the village tank 

    (2) Taniyurs : Villages donated to a single Brahmin or a group of Brahmins 

    (3) Ghatikas : Colleges generally attached to the temples 

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

  4. With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorizing of chronicles, dynastic histories and Epictales was the profession of who of the following?

  5. The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft-illustrated paintings at

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