Caves in India are a testament to the country’s rich cultural, religious, and historical heritage. These underground chambers, hollowed out by natural processes or carved by humans, hold immense significance and beauty. Here are some notable aspects of caves in India:
Caves of India MCQs Practice Now
- Historical Significance: Indian caves often serve as archaeological marvels, showcasing the artistic brilliance and architectural prowess of ancient civilizations. Sites like the Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra are prime examples, dating back to as early as the 2nd century BCE.
- Religious and Spiritual Sanctuaries: Many Indian caves are revered as sacred spaces by various religious communities. For instance, the Amarnath Cave in Jammu and Kashmir is highly esteemed by Hindus, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva.
- Architectural Diversity: India’s caves exhibit a diverse range of architectural styles, reflecting the influences of different dynasties and cultures. From the intricate carvings of the Badami Caves in Karnataka to the monolithic marvels of the Elephanta Caves near Mumbai, each site offers a unique glimpse into India’s past.
- Cultural Heritage: The caves of India also depict the cultural vibrancy and artistic expressions of bygone eras. The paintings and sculptures found in caves like Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh provide valuable insights into prehistoric life and cultural practices.
- Tourist Attractions: Today, Indian caves attract visitors from around the world, offering not only a glimpse into the past but also breathtaking natural beauty. From the mystical caves of Meghalaya to the serene surroundings of the Borra Caves in Andhra Pradesh, these sites captivate the imagination of travelers and history enthusiasts alike.
In essence, the caves of India stand as silent witnesses to the country’s rich tapestry of history, religion, art, and culture, inviting visitors to explore their depths and unravel their mysteries.
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Caves of India MCQs
Q1. The exercise of creating a structure by carving it out of the natural rock is known as
Rock-cut architecture.
Rock Polish architecture
Rock drilling architecture
All of the above
Q2. Who excelled in cave architecture and they are considered as the pioneers of rock-cut cave architecture
Mauryans
Guptas
Kushans
Aryans
Q3. How many characteristic forms of Buddhist architecture was
2
3
4
5
Q4. Chaityas were places of _______for Buddhist and Jain Monks.
Worship
Teaching
Marriage
Residence
Q5. The Viharas or monasteries were excavated near Chaityas for the residence of monks in
A. Rainy seasons
B. Winter season
C. Both A and B
D. None of the above
Q6. Viharas, unlike Chaityas, did not have stupa
True
False
Q7. Cave Architecture in India can be divided into how many phases
3
4
5
8
Q8. Which caves were excavated around 250 BC in Barabar Hills in Bihar (Jehanabad district) during Mauryan Period?
A. Lomas Rishi and Sudama
B. Junnar and Kanheri
C. Both A and B
D. None of them
Q9. Which of the following are the oldest examples of Rock Cut architecture in Ancient India?
A. Elephanta caves
B. Barabar Caves
C. Kanheri Caves
S. Ajanta Caves
Q10. The Major Caves at Barabar Hills are
1. Sudama cave
2. Lomas Rishi cave
3. Karan Chaupar
4. Visva Zopri
5. All of the above
Q11.In which western state of India, early Buddhist cave is found at Bhaja
A. Gujarat
B. Maharashtra
C. Goa
D. Rajasthan
near Poona). It is a group of 22 rock-cut caves and depicts a typical early phase of Buddhist architecture
Q12. Name the largest rock-cut chaitya in India which is situated at Bombay- Poona highway
A. chaitya griha
B. Great Chaitya
C. Big Chaitya
D. None of them
Q13. The Kanheri caves are situated in
A. Jharkhand
B. Odisha
C. Maharashtra
D. Madhya Pradesh
Q14. Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are situated in
Which of the following State of India
A. Jharkhand
B. Odisha
C. Maharashtra
D. Madhya Pradesh
Q15. Which of the following caves also known as Pandavleni caves
A. Nasik Caves
B. Kanheri caves
C. Bagh Caves
D. Ajanta caves
Q16. Bagh Caves are rock-cut monuments situated in
A. Odisha
B. Maharashtra
C. Madhya Pradesh
D. Uttar Pradesh
Q17. Where are the Ajanta Caves located?
A) Rajasthan
B) Maharashtra
C) Madhya Pradesh
D) Uttar Pradesh
Q18.Which of the following has 29 entirely Buddhist caves and were excavated in the horseshoe curve of a hillside.
A. Ellora
B. Ajanta
C. Elephanta
D. Kanheri
Q19. The Ajanta caves can be divided into how many phases
A. 2 phases
B. 3 phases
C. 4 phases
D. 5 phases
Q20. The caves include both paintings as well as rock-cut sculptures.
A. Nasik Caves
B. Kanheri caves
C. Bagh Caves
D. Ajanta caves
Q21. Mural paintings of Ajanta use which method of painting technique?
A. spraying technique
B. Stencil techniques
C. fresco technique
D. Finger technique
Q22. In which year Ajanta cave was declared as the UNESCO World Heritage Site and
A. 1982
B. 1983
C. 1985
D. 1986
According to UNESCO, these caves are masterpieces of Buddhist religious art and further influenced Indian art that followed.
Q23. Which river flows near the Ajanta Caves?
A) Ganges
B) Yamuna
C) Godavari
D) Narmada
Q24. Ellora caves are situated near Aurangabad district of Maharashtra is a group of how many caves
A. 29 caves
B. 30 caves
C. 31 caves
D. 32 caves
Q25. Which religions are represented in the Ellora Caves?
A) Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism
B) Buddhism and Hinduism
C) Hinduism and Sikhism
D) Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity
Q26. Who commissioned the building of the Ellora Caves?
A) Maurya Empire
B) Chola Dynasty
C) Rashtrakuta Dynasty
D) Gupta Empire
Q27. Which period are the Ellora Caves believed to have been constructed?
A) 1st to 3rd Centuries
B) 4th to 6th Centuries
C) 5th to 8th Centuries
D) 10th to 12th Centuries
Q28. Name the Cave 16 in Ellora which is the largest single monolithic excavation in the world?
A. Indra Sabha
B. Kailasa Temple
C. Dhumar Lena
D. Dashavatara Cave
Q29. Which of the following Ellora cave numbers are known as ‘Ravan Ki Khai’ and ‘Dasavatar caves’
A. 14 and 15
B. 13 and 29
C. 23 and 27
D. 16 and 17
Q30. Badami Cave temples are located in
Aa. Maharashtra
B. Kerala
C. Karnataka
D. Tamil Nadu
Q31. Which island is home to the Elephanta Caves?
a) Alibaug
b) Elephanta Island
c) Malabar Island
d) Salsette Island
Q32. What type of rock was used in the construction of the Elephanta Caves?
a) Granite
b) Basalt
c) Sandstone
d) Limestone
Q33. Where are the Elephanta Caves located?
a) Mumbai, India
b) Delhi, India
c) Kolkata, India
d) Jaipur, India
Q34. When were the Elephanta Caves designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
a) 1970
b) 1987
c) 1995
d) 2001
Q35. Which deity is predominantly worshipped in the main cave of Elephanta?
a) Lord Shiva
b) Lord Vishnu
c) Lord Brahma
d) Lord Ganesha
Q36. Which ruler is believed to have commissioned the construction of the Elephanta Caves?
a) Chalukyas
b) Rashtrakutas
c) Pallavas
d) Mauryas
Where are the prominent cave systems located in India?
India is home to a number of noteworthy cave systems. Notable ones may be found in areas such as Maharashtra’s Ajanta and Ellora, the Elephanta Caves in Mumbai, the Badami Caves in Karnataka, and the well-known Karla and Bhaja caves in Maharashtra. Other noteworthy cave sites are the Belum Caves in Andhra Pradesh, the Udayagiri and Khandagiri in Odisha, and the Aurangabad caves.
What makes the caves of India culturally significant?
India’s caves are rich in cultural and historical value because they frequently include exquisite sculptures, elaborate rock-cut structures, and prehistoric artwork. Reflecting the rich legacy and diversity of India’s religious traditions, many of these caves were used as centres of religious worship, meditation, and monastic life for a variety of faiths, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
How old are the caves of India?
Because they frequently contain ornate rock-cut buildings, complex sculptures, and prehistoric artwork, India’s caves are of tremendous cultural and historical significance. The rich legacy and diversity of India’s religious traditions are reflected in the numerous caves that were used for religious worship, meditation, and monastic life by adherents of many different faiths, including Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism.
What architectural styles are prominent in the caves of India?
The architectural styles seen in India’s caves are diverse; they include early Buddhist rock-cut caverns with plain interiors and later Hindu and Jain caves with more ornate sculptures and carvings. For example, the Ellora Caves show a combination of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain rock-cut temples, while the Ajanta Caves showcase beautiful Buddhist architecture and artwork. The enormous panels of sculpture that honour Lord Shiva can be found at the Elephanta Caves.
Are the caves of India open to the public?
Yes, the general public is welcome to explore and visit many of India’s caves. Under the guidance of local authorities or tour guides who offer insights into their historical, architectural, and cultural value, visitors can explore these ancient marvels. To preserve these locations for the enjoyment and education of future generations, preservation initiatives are still underway. However, because of ongoing archaeological digs or conservation concerns, entrance to some caves may be restricted.