GS PrelimsHistory (Ancient India)Gupta Empire2010

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 cave

D

Nasik caves

Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation

1. The Gupta period (c. 4th-6th centuries CE) witnessed a flourishing of art, including mural paintings. 2. The paintings of Ajanta caves (specifically caves 1, 2, 16, 17) are the most celebrated examples of Gupta-Vakataka period cave paintings. 3. Besides Ajanta, the murals found in the Bagh caves (A) in Madhya Pradesh are considered the other major surviving example of classical Indian painting from the same broad period, showing stylistic similarities to Ajanta. 4. Ellora caves (B) span a longer period and include paintings, but the most prominent ones are generally later than the main Gupta period. 5. Lomas Rishi cave (C) belongs to the Mauryan period and is known for architecture, not paintings. 6. Nasik caves (D) are mainly from the Satavahana period and lack significant Gupta paintings.

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