Consider the following statements: 1. The early chaityagrihas and viharas of Guntupalli in West Godavari district are rock cuts. 2. The chaityas and Viharas of Eastern Deccan are usually rock cut. Slect the correct answer using the code given below:
U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2017
A. Only 1 is correct
B. Only 2 is correct
C. Both 1 and 2 are correct
D. Neither 1 nor 2 is correct
Answer: Both 1 and 2 are correct
Option c is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is correct- The Chaityagriha in Guntupalli can be found within Andhra Pradesh's West Godavari district. These caves are crafted from rock and hold significance in the Buddhist context. This site stands as a more modest iteration of the Lomas Rishi Cave and comprises a stone stupa enclosed by a pathway. Remarkably, during the excavation process, containers containing gold, silver, and crystal beads were discovered.
Statement 2 is correct- The chaityas and viharas of Eastern Deccan are not always rock-cut. Some of them are also built of brick or stone. However, they are usually rock cut.
Important Tips
Rock-cut architectures in India are prevalent across various religious traditions, including Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist. The Barabar caves located in Bihar hold the distinction of being the oldest rock-cut caves in the country. In the western Deccan region, cave structures like Bhaja, Karla, Bedse, Kanheri, as well as a selection of Ajanta caves, exemplify the early development of rock-cut temple complexes.