Correct option is A
The correct answer is (a): Maharashtra.
Explanation
The Ajanta Caves are a collection of approximately 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments located in the Aurangabad district (now officially known as Sambhajinagar) of Maharashtra. These caves include paintings and rock-cut sculptures described as among the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art, particularly expressive paintings that present emotions through gesture, pose, and form.
They were built in two phases:
- Satavahana Phase: Dating from the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C.E.
- Vakataka Phase: Dating from the 5th and 6th centuries C.E. (under the reign of Emperor Harishena).
Information Booster:
- UNESCO Status: It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
- River: The caves are carved into the side of a steep, horseshoe-shaped cliff along the Waghur River.
- Discovery: They were "discovered" by a British officer named John Smith in 1819 during a tiger-hunting expedition.
- Theme: The paintings and sculptures primarily depict the Jataka tales (stories of the Buddha's previous lives) and various incidents from the life of Gautama Buddha.
- Architectural Types: The caves consist of Chaityagrihas (prayer halls) and Viharas (monasteries).
- Technique: The paintings were made using the Fresco-secco technique.
Additional Knowledge:
| State | Relevant Historical/Cave Sites |
| Maharashtra | Apart from Ajanta, it houses the Ellora Caves (Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain), Elephanta Caves (dedicated to Lord Shiva), and the Kanheri Caves. |
| West Bengal | Known for the Pandu Rajar Dhibi (Chalcolithic site) and the terracotta temples of Bishnupur. |
| Gujarat | Houses the Lothal and Dholavira (Harappan sites) and the Junagadh Buddhist Caves. |
| Haryana | Significant for Rakhi Garhi (the largest Harappan site) and the Kurukshetra region. |
| Uttarakhand | Famous for the Lakhudiyar Rock Paintings (Almora), which date back to the Mesolithic period. |
