What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram? 1. Both were built in the same period. 2. Both belong to the same religious denomination. 3. Both have rock-cut monuments. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

References show Ajanta activity spans multiple centuries (c. 500–950 CE) and had earlier phases, so understanding its phased chronology is key to comparing periods.

High-yield for culture/architecture questions: knowing that Ajanta represents long-term rock-cut activity across centuries helps answer questions on periodisation, patronage and stylistic change. Connects to broader themes of Buddhist art evolution and regional patronage. Prepare by building timelines and noting major phases and patron groups.

Reference gives a precise ruler and dates (Rajasimha CE 700–728) for the Shore Temple, anchoring Mamallapuram in the early medieval period.

Essential for questions on South Indian temple architecture and Pallava polity; links architectural forms to rulers and chronology. Master by memorising key monuments with associated dynastic rulers/dates and comparing with contemporary sites.

Evidence contrasts Ajanta rock-cut caves (c.500–950 CE) with Mamallapuram structural/monolithic works (6th–8th c.), highlighting chronological and stylistic overlap.

Useful for comparative questions on temple evolution (rock-cut → monolithic → structural). Helps answer synoptic questions linking art history with political history. Study by mapping parallel developments across regions and centuries.

Ajanta is identified as a Buddhist rock-cut cave complex while Mamallapuram is described as a structural temple complex with Hindu shrines; this distinction directly answers the statement.

Frequently tested in history/art architecture sections: distinguishing rock-cut caves (often Buddhist) from early structural Hindu temples helps answer questions on patronage, chronology and religious affiliation. Study by comparing key sites (Ajanta, Ellora, Mamallapuram) and noting form + deity associations.

Ajanta is linked to the Hinayana Buddhist sect; Mamallapuram shows explicit Shaiva and Vaishnava shrines — a direct sectarian contrast.

High-yield for questions on religious history and art: knowing specific sect affiliations (e.g., Hinayana at Ajanta, Shaiva/Vaishnava at Pallava monuments) helps answer comparative and source-based questions. Master by mapping monuments to sects and supporting inscriptions/attributes.

Evidence shows different religious traditions using rock-cut and temple architecture (Ajanta—Buddhist; Ellora—Buddhist, Hindu, Jain; Mamallapuram—Hindu).

Useful for broader analytical answers on coexistence and patronage in medieval India; links art history, religious studies and polity. Prepare by grouping sites by religion and noting examples of multi-religious complexes (Ellora) to tackle comparative essays and source-based questions.

References distinguish rock‑cut caves/temples from structural temple types and describe attributes of both.

Understanding this typology is high‑yield for architecture questions: many subcontinent monuments are classified as rock‑cut or structural. It links to periods, patronage, and regional styles (e.g., Ajanta caves, Pallava rock‑cut temples). Prepare by comparing defining features and examples.