Which of the following features distinguishes the Elephanta Caves from other rock-cut sites of early India?
The caves focus on Shaivite themes and feature sculptural depth through light and shadow.
The Elephanta Caves, on Gharapuri island near Mumbai, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated primarily to Lord Shiva and dating to the 5th–8th centuries CE.
What sets them apart is their distinctly Shaivite iconography — the iconic three-headed Trimurti Sadashiva, Nataraja, Yogishvara, Ardhanarishvara, Kalyanasundara — and the masterful use of light and shadow through deep relief sculpting and the placement of fluted columns, which gives the carvings a striking three-dimensional quality.
The other options are incorrect: the caves are Hindu (not primarily Buddhist), they are not a Jain–Vaishnavite mix, and they are post-Mauryan rock-cut excavations attributed to dynasties such as the Kalachuris.
Hence, the correct answer is option B.
Similar Questions
Arrange the following sites in chronological order based on the stylistic development of Buddhist sculpture:
a) Mathura
b) Bharhut
c) Sanchi Stupa-1
Which of the following sculptures does not originate from the Mathura region's Kushana-period artistic production?
The rock at Dhauli (Orissa) has been sculpted to resemble which animal?
Read the below statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Mark the correct options:
Assertion (A): Gandhara images frequently feature halo and curly hair.
Reasoning (R): These elements symbolise Graeco-Roman influence in North-West India.The life-size standing image of Yakshini holding a chauri (flywhisk) is an example of the sculptural tradition of which period?
- Read the below statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Mark the correct options:
Assertion (A): The sculptures of the Nalanda School are three-dimensional and delicately ornamented.
Reason (R): The Nalanda sculptural tradition was influenced by Sarnath, local Bihar styles, and central Indian art.
Important Questions from Sculpture
People who work with visual images include ______.
I. painters
II. sculptors
Lalit Kala Academy was established by the Government of India to-
Which among the following is NOT a component of Lion Capital at Sarnath, India?
Which of the following holy sites of Buddhism became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002?
Who is Devi Rai Prasad Choudhary?
