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U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2002

Buddhist Rock-cut Sites

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which centre consists of more than 100 Buddha caves?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Large rock-cut monastic complexes served as major residential universities and spiritual retreats for the Buddhist Sangha along western Indian trade routes.

Explanation Located within the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai, the Kanheri complex consists of 109 rock-cut caves. They were excavated between the 1st century BCE and the 11th century CE, making it one of the largest and longest-occupied Buddhist sites in India.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: While Ajanta has 29 and Karley is famous for a single large chaitya, Kanheri stands out for its sheer quantity (109 caves).
Logic 2: The site contains diverse structures including residential cells (viharas), prayer halls (chaityas), and advanced water harvesting systems.

Active Recall

Question

Why did Kanheri have so many caves?

Answer

It was a major educational and residential hub for monks, situated on an ancient trade route connecting ports like Sopara and Kalyan.

Core Insight

Kanheri is a record of the continuity of Buddhism in India, showing evolution from Hinayana to Mahayana and Vajrayana over a millennium.

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