Which one of the following statements is correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2021 Prelims]
(a) Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of Waghora River.
(b) Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of Chambal River.
(c) Pandu-lena Cave Shrines lie in the gorge of Narmada River.
(d) Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of Godavari River.
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- Option 1: The Ajanta caves are intricately carved into the side of a cliff, specifically located on the south side of a U-shaped gorge formed by the small river Waghora. Therefore, option 1 is correct.
- Option 2: The Sanchi Stupa is situated in an elevated plateau region atop a flat-topped sandstone hill, positioned just west of the Betwa River and approximately 5 miles (8 km) southwest of Vidisha. Consequently, option 2 is incorrect.
- Option 3: The Pandavleni Caves, also known as Pandu Lena caves and Trirashmi caves, constitute a group of 24 rock-cut caves. These caves are situated high up on the north face of Trivashmi hill, located approximately 8 km south of Nasik city. Donative inscriptions found at the site indicate that these excavations belong to the Satavahana and Kshatrapa periods. However, option 3 is incorrect as the nearest river is not the Godavari.
- Option 4: The Amravati stupa, established by an emissary of Emperor Ashoka, was completed around 2000 years ago. The stupa depicts Lord Buddha in human form, shown subduing an elephant. It surpasses the height of the Sanchi stupa and features 95 ft high platforms extending in the four cardinal directions, accompanied by a massive circular dome. Contrary to option 4, the Amravati stupa is not situated near the river Krishna.
Therefore. Option (a) is the correct answer.
