The correct option is 2 only
Explanation
The Guntapalle group of Buddhist monuments is located in the West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. Dating back to the 2nd century BCE, these caves represent an important phase in the development of Buddhist rock-cut architecture in the Eastern Ghats during the Post-Mauryan period.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: The main chaitya griha at Guntapalle is a rare example of a circular rock-cut chamber. It contains a rock-cut stupa situated in the center of the circular hall. This circular plan is structurally significant and resembles the circular chaitya at Junnar (Tulja Lena) in the Western Ghats.
- Statement 2 is Correct: The vihara caves at Guntapalle are relatively simple and archaic. Unlike the later viharas of Western India (e.g., Ajanta or Ellora) which feature large central congregation halls (mandapas) surrounded by cells, the viharas at Guntapalle consist mainly of small, independent residential cells excavated into the hill without a large common hall.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Rock-cut stupas are not absent in the Eastern Ghats. In fact, the region is known for them. Apart from the stupa inside the Guntapalle chaitya, other sites in the Eastern Ghats, such as Sankaram (Bojjannakonda) near Visakhapatnam, feature numerous monolithic rock-cut stupas carved directly from the hill.
Key Takeaway:
Guntapalle is famous for its circular rock-cut chaitya with a stupa, dating to the 2nd century BCE. The Eastern Ghats region possesses a rich tradition of both rock-cut and structural Buddhist stupas.