History • Ancient IndiaHard
Analyze the structural characteristics and artistic motifs associated with the Ajanta rock-cut caves: 1. The caves were excavated exclusively during the Vakataka period without any patronage from earlier dynasties like the Satavahanas. 2. Caves numbered 19 and 26 represent classic examples of Chaitya halls featuring magnificent rock-cut sculptures of the Buddha and ornate pillars. 3. The mural paintings inside the caves were executed using the tempera technique on a dry plaster surface rather than true fresco. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only✓ Correct Answer
D. 1, 2 and 3
💡 Solution & Explanation
Ajanta caves were excavated in two distinct phases spanning from the second century BCE under Satavahana patronage through the fifth century CE under Vakataka rulers like Harishena. Caves 19 and 26 are indeed prominent Chaitya halls displaying elaborate sculptural reliefs. The murals were painted primarily in tempera over a clay and cow-dung ground applied to rough basalt walls. The technique involved applying pigments onto dry plaster rather than wet lime fresco.
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