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Question

The Sigiriya frescoes and Dambulla cave paintings are found in:

This question was previously asked in
SSC Stenographer 2019 Previous Year Paper (24-Dec-2020) (Shift 2)
The correct answer is

Sri Lanka

Locating Sigiriya Frescoes and Dambulla Cave Paintings

The question asks about the geographical location where the famous Sigiriya frescoes and Dambulla cave paintings can be found. These are significant historical and artistic sites known worldwide.

Location of Ancient Art: Sigiriya and Dambulla

Both the Sigiriya rock fortress and the Dambulla cave temple complex are iconic landmarks associated with the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka.

Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock, is an ancient rock fortress near the town of Dambulla. It is famous for its ancient frescoes painted on the side of the rock and its elaborate gardens.

Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka. It is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in the country, containing numerous statues and paintings.

Therefore, both these sites are located in Sri Lanka.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the given options:

  • Bhutan: Bhutan is a country in the Eastern Himalayas, known for its monasteries and stunning landscapes, but not specifically for the Sigiriya or Dambulla art.
  • Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka is an island nation south of India, known for its rich history, ancient ruins, and cultural sites, including Sigiriya and Dambulla.
  • Nepal: Nepal is a landlocked country in the Himalayas, famous for Mount Everest and its rich Buddhist culture, but not for Sigiriya or Dambulla.
  • None: Since Sri Lanka is the correct location, this option is incorrect.

Identifying the Correct Location

Based on historical and geographical facts, the Sigiriya frescoes and Dambulla cave paintings are located in Sri Lanka.

Art/Site Location
Sigiriya Frescoes Sri Lanka
Dambulla Cave Paintings Sri Lanka

Conclusion

The Sigiriya frescoes and Dambulla cave paintings are found in Sri Lanka.

Revision Table: Sigiriya and Dambulla

Feature Sigiriya Dambulla
Type of Site Rock Fortress, Royal Palace Remains Cave Temple Complex
Key Art Frescoes (wall paintings) Cave Paintings, Buddha Statues
Location in Sri Lanka Central Province (near Dambulla) Central Province
UNESCO World Heritage Site Yes Yes

Additional Information: Ancient Sri Lankan Art and History

Sri Lanka has a long and fascinating history, with evidence of advanced civilization dating back centuries. The ancient sites like Sigiriya and Dambulla are testaments to the island's artistic and architectural achievements, often deeply intertwined with Buddhism.

  • Sigiriya's frescoes are believed to date back to the reign of King Kashyapa in the 5th century CE. They depict female figures, often interpreted as celestial nymphs or apsaras.
  • The Dambulla cave complex contains five main caves, housing countless statues of the Buddha and vibrant wall paintings covering a vast area. The art spans various periods, dating back over 2,000 years.
  • Both sites are major tourist attractions and important archaeological locations, offering insights into the political, religious, and artistic life of ancient Sri Lanka.
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Important Questions from Paintings

  1. In Indian Art; What is Bani Thani?

  2. 'Pichwai Painting' related to which school of painting?

  3. During Jahangir's period certain painters developed recognizable areas of expertise in the field of Mughal paintings. In this regard which of the following statements are correct?

    (A) Mansur was expert in painting animals and flowers

    (B) Abul Hasan was a portraitist

    (C) Govardhan was an expert painter of painting holymen, musicians, and eccentrics

    Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

  4. Match Liar I with List II and choose he correct answer from the code given below.

    List I

    (Artist)

    List II

    (Title received)

    (a) Abdus Samad(i) Zarrin Qalam
    (b) Abul Hasan(ii) Nadir-ul Asr
    (c) Muhammad Husain of Kashmir(iii) Shireen Qalam
    (d) Ustad Mansur(iv) Nadir-uz Zaman

  5. Which of the following is a traditional folk art form (Rangoli) of Odisha?

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