UPSC Prelims 2017 · GS Paper I
Question 69: History and Culture
The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft-illustrated paintings at
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).
The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani, the lotus-bearing Avalokitesvara, is among the most famous paintings of Ajanta, found in Cave 1 of the Buddhist rock-cut caves in Maharashtra and dating from the Gupta-Vakataka period. Badami's caves are known for sculpture and some painting, Bagh for its Buddhist murals in Madhya Pradesh, and Ellora for its rock-cut sculpture and temples. Remember: Padmapani and Vajrapani are the two great bodhisattvas of Ajanta's Cave 1.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Right: the Padmapani painting is in Cave 1 at Ajanta.
- (b) Wrong: Badami is known for rock-cut Hindu and Jain cave sculpture.
- (c) Wrong: Bagh has Buddhist murals, but Padmapani is not its famous painting.
- (d) Wrong: Ellora is known for rock-cut sculpture and temples.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2017, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.