UPSC Prelims PYQ 2002: Identify the incorrect cultural/historical statement

Which one of the following statements is not correct?

1. The statue of Gomateshwara at Sravanabelagola represents the last Tirthankara of Jains
2. India’s largest Buddhist monastery is in Arunachal Pradesh
3. The Khajuraho temples were built under Chandela Kings
4. The Hoysalesvara temple is dedicated to Siva

Explanation

Option (a) is the correct answer

• The colossal Gomateshwara Statue at Shravanabelagola depicts Lord Bahubali, who was the son of the first Jain Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha (Adinath), and not the last Tirthankara. Tawang Monastery is a magnificent example of Mahayana Buddhism and is the largest monastery in India. The other statements are also correct and are consistent with well-established facts.

Answer: (a) The statue of Gomateshwara at Sravanabelagola represents the last Tirthankara of Jains