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Q104 (CAPF/2018) History & Culture › Art & Architecture › Rock-cut architecture Answer Verified

Depiction of the descent of the river Ganga from heaven in the form of relief sculpture on rock is at

Result
Your answer: —  Â·  Correct: B
Explanation

The depiction of the descent of the river Ganga from heaven is a world-renowned open-air rock relief located at Mahabalipuram (also known as Mamallapuram) in Tamil Nadu [2]. Carved during the 7th century under the patronage of the Pallava dynasty, this massive monument is sculpted onto two large granite boulders [2]. It is also popularly referred to as 'Arjuna's Penance' due to the dual interpretation of the central ascetic figure as either Arjuna or the sage Bhagiratha [2]. The relief features over 100 figures, including deities, animals, and mythical beings, centered around a natural cleft that represents the river's flow. While Ellora is famous for its diverse religious sculptures and the Kailasanatha temple, the specific 'Descent of the Ganges' relief is the hallmark of Pallava sculptural excellence at Mamallapuram [4].

Sources

  1. [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > Mamallapuram > p. 133
  2. [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Descent_of_the_Ganges_(Mahabalipuram)
  3. [3] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > II Ellora, Ajanta and Mamallapuram Ellora > p. 132
  4. [4] https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/249/
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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

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With reference to the Indian history of art and culture, consider the following pairs: 1. A grand image of Buddha's Mahaparinirvana with numerous celestial musicians above and the sorrowful figures of his followers below - Ajanta 2. A huge image of Varaha Avatar (boar incarnation) of Vishnu, as he rescues Goddess Earth from the deep and chaotic waters, sculpted on rock - Mount Abu 3. "Arjuna's Penance" / "Descent of Ganga" sculpted on the surface of huge boulders - Mamallapuram Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

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