Correct Option (A):
The Bagh Caves, located in Madhya Pradesh, represent the second known instance of Gupta period cave paintings, alongside the Ajanta Caves. These caves are Buddhist monastic complexes carved into sandstone rock. The murals at Bagh depict themes of daily life, mythology, and Buddhist narratives, showcasing the characteristic artistic style of the Gupta period, which includes delicate lines, naturalistic forms, and vibrant colours. The artistic techniques and stylistic elements observed in Bagh paintings exhibit a close affinity with those found in Ajanta.
Incorrect Options:
Ellora caves:
The Ellora caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Maharashtra, feature rock-cut architecture and paintings that primarily belong to a later period, spanning from the 6th to the 10th centuries CE. These caves represent Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions, and their artistic expressions do not fall within the Gupta period.
Lomas Rishi cave:
The Lomas Rishi cave, situated in Bihar, is an early rock-cut structure dating back to the Mauryan period (3rd century BCE). It is associated with the Ajivika sect and does not contain any paintings from the Gupta period.
Nasik caves:
The Nasik caves, also known as Pandavleni caves, are a group of Buddhist rock-cut caves located in Maharashtra. These caves primarily date to the Satavahana period (1st century BCE to 3rd century CE) and do not feature paintings from the Gupta era.