Question

Which of the following paintings are found in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ajanta caves?
(A). Mara Vijaya
(B). Nataraja
(C). Trimurti
(D). Bodhisattva Padmapani
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A) and (B) only.
• B. (B), (C) and (D) only.
• C. (C) and (D) only.
• D. (A) and (D) only.

Hint:

Remember the religious focus of the major cave sites: Ajanta is almost exclusively Buddhist. Ellora is a mix of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain. Elephanta is primarily Hindu (Shaivite).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Identify the location and theme. The Ajanta Caves are a Buddhist rock-cut cave monument site, and the art primarily depicts Jataka tales and events from the life of the Buddha.
Step 2: Evaluate the options based on this theme and location.

(A) Mara Vijaya: This scene, depicting the Buddha's victory over the demon Mara (temptation), is a major theme in Buddhist art and a prominent sculpture/mural in Ajanta (Cave 26 sculpture, Cave 1 painting).
(D) Bodhisattva Padmapani: This is arguably the most famous painting at Ajanta, located in Cave 1. It shows the compassionate bodhisattva holding a lotus.
(B) Nataraja (Shiva as the cosmic dancer) and (C) Trimurti (the three-faced Shiva) are iconic Hindu sculptures found in the Elephanta Caves and Ellora Caves, not Ajanta.
Therefore, only Mara Vijaya and Bodhisattva Padmapani are found at Ajanta.