UPSC Prelims 2010 · General Studies
Question 55: History and Culture
There are only two known examples of cave paintings of the Gupta period in ancient India. One of these is paintings of Ajanta caves. Where is the other surviving example of Gupta paintings ?
AnswerThe answer is (a).
The Bagh caves, on the Bagh river in Madhya Pradesh (Dhar district), have murals of about the Gupta period; with Ajanta they are the surviving major examples of Gupta-age cave painting. Ellora and Nasik are known for rock-cut architecture and sculpture of other periods, and Lomas Rishi is a Mauryan-period rock-cut cave in the Barabar hills with a carved facade, not paintings. Remember: Gupta cave paintings = Ajanta and Bagh.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Right: Bagh caves in Madhya Pradesh hold the other surviving Gupta-period paintings.
- (b) Ellora is known for rock-cut temples and sculpture.
- (c) Lomas Rishi is a Mauryan rock-cut cave with a carved facade, not paintings.
- (d) Nasik caves are known for Buddhist rock-cut work, not Gupta paintings.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2010, General Studies, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.