1

There are only two known examples of cave paintings of the Gupta period in ancient India. One of these is paintings of Ajanta caves. Where is the other surviving example of Gupta paintings?

A

Bagh caves

B

Ellora caves

C

Lomas Rishi caves

D

Nasik caves

E

Answer

(a)

Instruction

Solution

Bagh caves in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh were built by Dattaka, a Buddhist bhikshu (monk) during Gupta period. Many of the images in paintings got their context from 'Ritusamhara' of Kalidasa (a poet in Gupta Court). Lomas Rishi cave (Barabar, Bihar) and Nasik caves were built before the Gupta period. Ellora caves were built after the Gupta period.

2

Why did Buddhism start declining in India in the early medieval times?

1. Buddha was by that time considered as one of the incarnations of Vishnu and thus became a part of Vaishnavism.

2.The invading tribes from central Asia till the time of last Gupta king adopted Hinduism and persecuted Buddhists.

3.The Kings of Gupta dynasty were strongly opposed to Buddhism.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A

1 only

B

1 and 3

C

2 and 3

D

1, 2 and 3

E

Answer

(a)

Instruction

Solution

Buddhism started declining in India in the early medieval times because Buddha was by that time considered as one of the incarnations of Vishnu and thus became a part of Vaishnavism. Few invading tribes from central Asia till the time of last Gupta king adopted Buddhist religion. The kings of the Gupta dynasty were not opposed to Buddhism even though they supported Brahmanical faith.