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Question

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?

This question was previously asked in
CDS 2 2025 Maths Question Paper (14-Sep-2025)
The correct answer is
Neither 1 nor 2

Analyzing Statements about Ellora

The question asks us to evaluate two statements concerning the Ellora site and determine their correctness. Let's break down each statement:

Statement 1: Ellora's Religious Association

Statement 1 claims that Ellora is associated exclusively with Buddhism.

  • Fact Check: The Ellora Caves complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its remarkable rock-cut architecture representing three major Indian religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
  • The Buddhist caves predominantly date from the 7th century CE.
  • The Hindu caves, numbering the most, were developed between the 6th and 8th centuries CE.
  • The Jain caves, representing the later phase of construction, were added in the 9th century CE.
  • Conclusion: Since Ellora features significant contributions from Hinduism and Jainism alongside Buddhism, the statement that it is associated exclusively with Buddhism is incorrect.

Statement 2: Kailasa Temple Construction

Statement 2 asserts that the Kailasa temple at Ellora was built using dressed stone and kiln-fired bricks.

  • Fact Check: The Kailasa temple (Cave 16) is one of the most spectacular structures at Ellora. It is a prime example of a monolithic rock-cut temple.
  • This means the entire temple structure was carved downwards, out of a single, massive piece of solid rock. It was not constructed by assembling stones or bricks.
  • The construction involved excavating the rock face to reveal the temple structure, adorned with intricate sculptures and carvings.
  • Conclusion: The description of the Kailasa temple being built of 'dressed stone and kiln-fired bricks' contradicts its nature as a monolithic, rock-cut excavation. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

Final Conclusion

Based on the analysis of both statements:

  • Statement 1 is incorrect because Ellora represents Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
  • Statement 2 is incorrect because the Kailasa temple is a monolithic rock-cut structure, not built from stones and bricks.

Since both statements are incorrect, the option 'Neither 1 nor 2' is the correct choice.

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Similar Questions

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

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  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: 

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    (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?

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