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Question No. 6Interactive Test Mode
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Q6. What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram? 1. Both were built in the same period. 2. Both belong to the same religious denomination. 3. Both have rock-cut monuments. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram?

  1. Both were built in the same period.
  2. Both belong to the same religious denomination.
  3. Both have rock-cut monuments. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Select the correct option below (or cross out options to eliminate)

Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

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Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 2016 • Art and Culture

Correct Answer: Option (B) — 3 only

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

Statement 1 is incorrect: Ajanta was created in two distinct phases: 2nd century BCE (Satavahana era) and 5th–6th century CE (Vakataka era). Mahabalipuram's monuments were constructed later during the 7th–8th century CE under the Pallava rulers (mainly Narasimhavarman I).

Statement 2 is incorrect: Ajanta is exclusively dedicated to Buddhist traditions, whereas Mahabalipuram features monuments largely dedicated to Hindu traditions (Shaivism and Vaishnavism).

Statement 3 is correct: Both sites are renowned worldwide for outstanding rock-cut architecture (chaityas, viharas, and caves at Ajanta; rock-cut cave temples, monolithic rathas, and rock reliefs at Mahabalipuram).

Elimination Heuristic & Exam Approach

Ajanta is purely Buddhist while Mahabalipuram (Pallava) is Hindu; recognizing the religious disparity immediately eliminates statements 1 & 2 combinations.

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2016 (Q6)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicArt and Culture → Architecture & Monuments
Official Answer KeyOption (B) — 3 only

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 2016 Q6

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 2016 GS Paper I Question 6 (Art and Culture)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 2016 Art and Culture (Architecture & Monuments) question is Option (B): "3 only". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 2016 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "Art and Culture" and micro-topic "Architecture & Monuments". You can explore all repeated questions from Architecture & Monuments in Acme AI's 3D Prelims PYQ Realm or practice 50 full-length and sectional tests in the APT Prelims Test Series.

How can I solve this Architecture & Monuments UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

Ajanta is purely Buddhist while Mahabalipuram (Pallava) is Hindu; recognizing the religious disparity immediately eliminates statements 1 & 2 combinations.

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