Art, Architecture & Science in Ancient India MCQ — 97 Practice Questions with Answers

Explanation

Ajanta Caves (30 caves, UNESCO World Heritage Site) near Aurangabad contain masterpieces of Buddhist art — paintings (depicting Jataka stories, court scenes, nature) and sculptures. Caves 9,10 are Hinayana (2nd-1st century BCE); caves 1,2,16,17 are Mahayana (5th-6th century CE) with the finest paintings. The paintings use fresco-secco technique on lime plaster. Padmapani and Vajrapani figures in Cave 1 are iconic. Rediscovered by John Smith (1819).

Explanation

The Ajanta Caves (Maharashtra) are famous for their exquisite Buddhist paintings and sculptures spanning from the 2nd century BCE to 6th century CE. The paintings depict Jataka tales and Buddha's life. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explanation

The Silk Road had multiple branches connecting India to Central Asia and China. India exported spices, pepper, precious stones, cotton textiles, and Buddhist ideas/artifacts, while importing silk, horses, jade, and Central Asian goods through passes like the Karakoram and Khyber.

Explanation

Narasimhavarman I (630-668 CE), also called 'Mamalla' (great wrestler), created the rock-cut monuments at Mahabalipuram (also called Mamallapuram after him). He carved the Pancha Rathas and the great bas-relief Arjuna's Penance/Descent of the Ganges (largest open-air rock relief in the world). He also defeated the Chalukya king Pulakeshin II and captured Vatapi (Badami). His father Mahendravarman I started the cave-temple tradition (Mandagapattu).

Explanation

The Didarganj Yakshi (3rd-2nd century BCE) was found in Didarganj, Patna, Bihar. It is a 5.3 ft tall sandstone statue of a chauri-bearer (fly-whisk holder) with an extraordinarily polished surface (Mauryan polish). It represents the high point of Mauryan sculpture — realistic anatomy, elaborate jewelry, and the characteristic mirror-like polish. It is now in the Patna Museum. Some scholars date it to the Kushan period.