Q69 · UPSC Prelims 2017 · Set A · Art and Culture

← Q68 Q70 →

The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft-illustrated paintings at

A Ajanta
B Badami
C Bagh
D Ellora

Correct answer: (a) Ajanta

Explanation

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. C

    Bagh

    Bagh caves in Madhya Pradesh have related classical murals but not this iconic Padmapani panel. This option is therefore wrong.

  4. 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.