Correct answer: (a) Ajanta
Explanation
- A
Ajanta
The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani (Avalokiteshvara holding a lotus) is the celebrated mural in Cave 1 at Ajanta. It is among the most reproduced images of Indian Buddhist painting. That identification is the official key.
- B
Badami
Badami is famous for Chalukya rock-cut temples and some paintings, not for the Padmapani of Ajanta Cave 1. This option is not the key.
- C
Bagh
Bagh caves in Madhya Pradesh have related classical murals but not this iconic Padmapani panel. This option is therefore wrong.
- D
Ellora
Ellora is known for Hindu, Buddhist and Jain rock architecture (Kailasa temple), not for the Ajanta Padmapani painting. This option is not the key.
Summary. Official key is (a) Ajanta. Cave 1’s Padmapani is the standard textbook illustration of Vakataka-period Buddhist mural art. Badami, Bagh and Ellora are important Deccan sites but do not own that painting. Ajanta’s viharas preserve the classical palette and bodhisattva iconography asked here. Only (a) is correct.