With reference to the Ellora caves, consider the following statements: 1. Ellora is exclusively a Buddhist site. 2. It is the only site where triple-storeyed excavations are found. 3. The Buddhist caves at Ellora are generally smaller in size compared to the Brahmanical caves. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 3 only Explanation The question pertains to the characteristics of the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Maharashtra, India, focusing on its religious composition and architectural features. Statement-wise Analysis 1. Statement 1: Ellora is exclusively a Buddhist site. Incorrect. The Ellora Caves represent a unique artistic creation and technological exploit, comprising Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monuments built under the patronage of various dynasties between the 6th and 10th centuries CE. It is a multi-religious site, not exclusively Buddhist. 2. Statement 2: It is the only site where triple-storeyed excavations are found. Incorrect. While Ellora features impressive multi-storeyed structures, including triple-storeyed ones (e.g., Cave 12, Teen Tal), it is not the *only* site with such excavations. Other sites, such as some Buddhist caves in western India, also exhibit multi-storeyed structures, though perhaps not as extensively or prominently as Ellora. 3. Statement 3: The Buddhist caves at Ellora are generally smaller in size compared to the Brahmanical caves. Correct. The Buddhist caves (Caves 1-12) at Ellora, dating from the 6th-8th centuries CE, are generally simpler and smaller in scale compared to the later Hindu (Brahmanical) caves (Caves 13-29), which include monumental structures like the Kailasa Temple (Cave 16). The Hindu caves are known for their grand scale, elaborate sculptures, and complex architectural layouts. Key Takeaway The Ellora Caves are a multi-religious site featuring Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain rock-cut architecture, with the Buddhist caves generally being smaller than the later Hindu caves.

NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture — Chapter 4: Post-Mauryan Trends in Indian Art and Architecture

mcqmedium

With reference to the Ellora caves, consider the following statements:

Ellora is exclusively a Buddhist site.
It is the only site where triple-storeyed excavations are found.
The Buddhist caves at Ellora are generally smaller in size compared to the Brahmanical caves.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 3 only

Explanation

The question pertains to the characteristics of the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Maharashtra, India, focusing on its religious composition and architectural features.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1: Ellora is exclusively a Buddhist site.
Incorrect. The Ellora Caves represent a unique artistic creation and technological exploit, comprising Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monuments built under the patronage of various dynasties between the 6th and 10th centuries CE. It is a multi-religious site, not exclusively Buddhist.
Statement 2: It is the only site where triple-storeyed excavations are found.
Incorrect. While Ellora features impressive multi-storeyed structures, including triple-storeyed ones (e.g., Cave 12, Teen Tal), it is not the *only* site with such excavations. Other sites, such as some Buddhist caves in western India, also exhibit multi-storeyed structures, though perhaps not as extensively or prominently as Ellora.
Statement 3: The Buddhist caves at Ellora are generally smaller in size compared to the Brahmanical caves.
Correct. The Buddhist caves (Caves 1-12) at Ellora, dating from the 6th-8th centuries CE, are generally simpler and smaller in scale compared to the later Hindu (Brahmanical) caves (Caves 13-29), which include monumental structures like the Kailasa Temple (Cave 16). The Hindu caves are known for their grand scale, elaborate sculptures, and complex architectural layouts.

Key Takeaway

The Ellora Caves are a multi-religious site featuring Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain rock-cut architecture, with the Buddhist caves generally being smaller than the later Hindu caves.

Your note

More from Chapter 4: Post-Mauryan Trends in Indian Art and Architecture

Match the following Narratives with the Site where they are depicted: Narrative | Site 1. Queen Mayadevi’s Dream | Bharhut 2. Siege of Kushinara | Sanchi 3. Mara Vijaya | Ajanta 4. Ravana Shaking Mount Kailash | Ellora Select the correct answer using the code given below:

easy

Match the following Rulers/Dynasties with the regions they controlled in the post-Mauryan period: 1. Shungas : North and Central India 2. Satvahanas : Southern and Western India 3. Ikshavakus : Southern and Western India 4. Kushanas : North India Select the correct answer using the code given below:

easy

Which technique was used for the paintings at Bagh Caves? 1. The ground was prepared with reddish-brown gritty mud plaster. 2. Lime-priming was strictly avoided. 3. The paintings are executed in the true fresco technique. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

medium

The term 'Ushanisha' in the context of Buddha images refers to:

easy

The rock-cut cave at Kondivite in Maharashtra represents which unique architectural form?

hard

Keep practising Chapter 4: Post-Mauryan Trends in Indian Art and Architecture

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture chapters

The correct option is 3 only

Explanation

The question pertains to the characteristics of the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Maharashtra, India, focusing on its religious composition and architectural features.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1: Ellora is exclusively a Buddhist site.
Incorrect. The Ellora Caves represent a unique artistic creation and technological exploit, comprising Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monuments built under the patronage of various dynasties between the 6th and 10th centuries CE. It is a multi-religious site, not exclusively Buddhist.
Statement 2: It is the only site where triple-storeyed excavations are found.
Incorrect. While Ellora features impressive multi-storeyed structures, including triple-storeyed ones (e.g., Cave 12, Teen Tal), it is not the *only* site with such excavations. Other sites, such as some Buddhist caves in western India, also exhibit multi-storeyed structures, though perhaps not as extensively or prominently as Ellora.
Statement 3: The Buddhist caves at Ellora are generally smaller in size compared to the Brahmanical caves.
Correct. The Buddhist caves (Caves 1-12) at Ellora, dating from the 6th-8th centuries CE, are generally simpler and smaller in scale compared to the later Hindu (Brahmanical) caves (Caves 13-29), which include monumental structures like the Kailasa Temple (Cave 16). The Hindu caves are known for their grand scale, elaborate sculptures, and complex architectural layouts.

Key Takeaway

The Ellora Caves are a multi-religious site featuring Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain rock-cut architecture, with the Buddhist caves generally being smaller than the later Hindu caves.