Which one of the following statements is correct?
- Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of Waghora river.
- Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of Chambal river.
- Pandu-lena Cave Shrines lie in the gorge of Narmada river.
- Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of Godavari river.
Explanation
Option (a) is correct
- Ajanta Caves are located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra and are carved out of a steep cliff on the left bank of the Waghora River in the Ajanta hills. The complex comprises around 30 caves, including unfinished ones, of which five (Caves 9, 10, 19, 26, and 29) are chaityagrihas (prayer halls), while the rest serve as viharas (monasteries). Of these, 5 caves are associated with Hinayana Buddhism, whereas the remaining 25 belong to the Mahayana tradition.
- The paintings in the caves were first outlined in red and then filled with other colours, depicting themes primarily from Jataka tales along with references to Chinese travellers such as Faxian and Xuanzang. The artwork follows the fresco technique, in which pigments are applied to freshly laid, damp lime plaster, allowing the colours to bond firmly with the surface and remain vibrant over time. The Ajanta Caves were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
Option (b) is incorrect
- Sanchi is located in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, situated on an elevated plateau just west of the Betwa River. It has been an important centre of Buddhist faith, with the Great Stupa serving as its focal point since Ashoka’s construction in the 3rd century BCE. Originally built using bricks during Ashoka’s reign, the Great Stupa was later encased in stone, and several architectural additions were made over time, enhancing its structure and significance.
Option (c) is incorrect
Pandavleni Caves, also known as Pandu-lena Caves, are situated on the Trirasmi Hill on the outskirts of Nashik city in Maharashtra. These ancient rock-cut Buddhist caves date from around 250 BCE to 600 CE and are located near the Gomai River. The complex features impressive carvings and idols of the Buddha along with representations of Jain Tirthankaras, reflecting their religious and cultural significance. Notably, the caves also exhibit an advanced water management system, with carefully carved water tanks cut directly into the rock, demonstrating the high level of engineering skill in ancient times.
Option (d) is incorrect
- Amaravathi is a small town on the banks of the Krishna River, around 30 km from Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh. The Amaravathi Stupa is a key example of the Amaravathi school of art, regarded as one of the three major styles of ancient Indian art, alongside Mathura and Gandhara. It is believed to have been built by the Satavahana dynasty in the 2nd century BCE.
