Direction: In the following passage some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given. Select the most appropriate option for each blank. One of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Maharashtra, the Ellora Caves, date back ____(1)____ about 1,500 years ago, and ____(2)____ the epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture. _____(3)____ 34 caves are actually Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain religious monuments _____(4)______ in the rock. They were given the ______(5)______ of World Heritage Site in 1983. Created between the 6th and 10th century, the 12 Buddhist, 17 Hindu, and 5 Jain caves carved in proximity at Ellora are proof of the religious harmony prevalent during this period of Indian history.
Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank No.1.
to
Solving the Ellora Caves Passage: Understanding Blank 1
The question asks us to fill in blank No. 1 in the given passage about the Ellora Caves. The sentence containing the blank is: "One of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Maharashtra, the Ellora Caves, date back ____(1)____ about 1,500 years ago..." We need to select the most appropriate option from the given choices: 'to', 'for', 'at', 'in'.
Analysing the Blank and Sentence Structure
The phrase "date back" is commonly used to indicate the origin or the time in the past when something began or existed. It's often followed by a preposition that connects it to a specific time period or event. We need to determine which preposition correctly completes the phrase "date back ____ about 1,500 years ago."
Examining the Options for Blank 1
Let's look at each option and see how it fits grammatically and contextually with the phrase "date back":
- Option 1: to
The phrase "date back to" is a standard idiom in English used to state the point in time from which something originates or has existed. For example, "This castle dates back to the 14th century." In our sentence, "date back to about 1,500 years ago" perfectly conveys that the Ellora Caves originated or were established around 1,500 years in the past. - Option 2: for
Using "date back for" is grammatically incorrect in this context. "For" is usually used to indicate duration (e.g., "has existed for 1,500 years") but not the starting point when used with "date back". - Option 3: at
"Date back at" is also not standard English usage for indicating the historical origin of something. "At" can be used for specific points in time (e.g., "arrive at 3 pm"), but not with "date back" in this manner. - Option 4: in
"Date back in" is grammatically incorrect. "In" is used with periods of time (e.g., "born in 1990" or "in the 6th century"), but not typically after "date back" to indicate the origin year or period in this structure.
Determining the Correct Preposition
Based on the analysis of each option and the common usage of the phrase "date back", the preposition 'to' is the only one that correctly completes the idiom and makes the sentence grammatically sound and meaningful. The Ellora Caves, as an archaeological site, originated or were created around 1,500 years ago, and "date back to" accurately describes this origin.
| Phrase | Grammatical Correctness | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| date back to | Correct | Indicates the time of origin or when something began. |
| date back for | Incorrect | Does not correctly indicate the time of origin. |
| date back at | Incorrect | Does not correctly indicate the time of origin. |
| date back in | Incorrect | Does not correctly indicate the time of origin. |
Conclusion
The phrase "date back to" is the correct idiomatic expression needed in Blank 1. It clearly indicates that the Ellora Caves originated approximately 1,500 years ago, establishing their historical significance as an archaeological site in Maharashtra.
Revision Table: Ellora Caves Blank 1
| Blank Number | Sentence Context | Options | Correct Option | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ...date back ____ about 1,500 years ago... | to, for, at, in | to | "Date back to" is the correct idiom to indicate the time of origin. |
Additional Information: Understanding "Date Back To" and Archaeological Context
The phrase "date back to" is crucial for describing the age or origin of historical artifacts, buildings, or events. When discussing archaeological sites like the Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, pinpointing their age is essential for understanding their historical and cultural importance. The Ellora Caves date back to a period of significant religious and artistic activity in India. The passage highlights that these caves are proof of religious harmony, created between the 6th and 10th centuries, which aligns with the "about 1,500 years ago" timeframe mentioned. Understanding such idioms is vital for cloze test questions and improving overall reading comprehension and grammar skills.
Important Questions from Cloze Test
What would come in blank space (1)?
What would come in blank space (2)?
What would come in blank space (3)?
What would come in blank space (4)?
What would come in blank space (5)?
