Question map
Consider the following historical places : 1. Ajanta Caves 2. Lepakshi Temple 3. Sanchi Stupa Which of the above places is/are also known for mural paintings?
Explanation
The Ajanta Caves are globally renowned for their extensive Buddhist mural paintings, which depict Jataka tales and the life of Buddha using sophisticated techniques like layering plaster with vegetable fibers and lime [2]. These murals date from the 2nd century BCE to the 5th century CE [2]. The Lepakshi Temple (Veerabhadra Temple) in Andhra Pradesh is also a significant site for mural paintings, featuring 16th-century Vijayanagara-style frescoes on its ceilings and walls, including the famous giant mural of Virabhadra. In contrast, the Sanchi Stupa is primarily celebrated for its monumental stone architecture and intricate sculptural relief panels on its gateways (toranas), rather than mural paintings. While Sanchi represents a pinnacle of early Buddhist sculpture, it is not recognized as a site for mural traditions like Ajanta or Lepakshi.
Sources
- [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > Paintings > p. 128
- [2] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 7: The Guptas > Painting > p. 98