[Solved] Oldest Rock-cut Caves in India | Barabar and Badami

With reference to the history of Indian rockcut architecture, consider the following statements:
1. The caves at Badami are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India.
2. The Barabar rock-cut caves were originally made for Ajivikas by Emperor Chandragupta Maurya.
3. At Ellora, caves were made for different faiths.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[UPSC CSE Pre 2013]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

Rock-cut architecture in India began in the Mauryan era and reached its peak of religious pluralism at Ellora.

Authentic Source Evidence

Barabar caves in Bihar are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves, built during the Mauryan period. However, they were commissioned by King Ashoka and his grandson Dasharatha, primarily for the Ajivika sect, not Chandragupta Maurya. Ellora is uniquely known for hosting Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain caves together.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Statement 1 is incorrect; Barabar caves are older than Badami (Chalukyan).

Logic 2: Statement 2 is incorrect because the patron of Barabar was Ashoka, not Chandragupta.

Logic 3: Statement 3 is correct; Ellora is a site of religious synthesis with caves for three different faiths.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Which specific cave at Ellora is famous for its monolithic structure?"

The Kailasa Temple (Cave 16).

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"Indian cave architecture evolved from simple sectarian dwellings into magnificent monuments representing multiple religious co-existences."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Ajivikas 2 Ashoka 7