Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
What is/are correct in reference to Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves? 1. It has both natural and artificial caves. 2. Udayagiri has 18 and Khandagiri has 15 caves. 3. Khandagiri caves are famous for Hathigumpha inscription. Select the correct answer using the code below:
Solution & Analysis
Answer: C
Concept
The Udayagiri and Khandagiri hills near Bhubaneswar represent some of the earliest Jain rock-cut architecture in India, serving as monastic retreats.Explanation
The complex consists of 33 caves in total: 18 in Udayagiri and 15 in Khandagiri. They include both natural formations and those artificially carved out during the reign of King Kharavela. Crucially, the famous Hathigumpha inscription is located in Udayagiri, not Khandagiri.Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Statements 1 and 2 are correct; the site is famous for its residential cells (lenas) for Jain ascetics and the numerical distribution is accurate.
Logic 2: Statement 3 is incorrect because the Hathigumpha (Elephant Cave) inscription, which details Kharavela's military and administrative record, is found on the rock face of Udayagiri.