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
- 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. 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 rock at Dhauli (Orissa) has been sculpted to resemble which animal?
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 life-size standing image of Yakshini holding a chauri (flywhisk) is an example of the sculptural tradition of which period?
Important Questions from Sculpture
People who work with visual images include ______.
I. painters
II. sculptors
Which among the following is NOT a component of Lion Capital at Sarnath, India?
Who among them is not a sculptor?
The 'Bauhaus School' was located at
In which city was the ancient Vikramshila University located?
