UPSC Express

Q8. Consider the following statements about a cave at Badami:

1. The cave is popularly known as Indra cave.

2. Paintings in the cave represent an extension of tradition from Ajanta caves.

3. Paintings in this cave depict palace scenes.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 1 and 3 only

C. 2 and 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: C

Exp: Statement 1 is incorrect: The inscription in Cave No. 4 of Badami caves describes the beauty of the cave and includes the dedication of the image of Vishnu. Thus it may be presumed that the cave was excavated in the same era and the patron records his Vaishnava affiliation. Therefore, the cave is popularly known as the Vishnu cave and not Indra cave. Statement 2 is correct: Stylistically, the painting represents an extension of the tradition of mural painting from Ajanta to Badami in South India. The sinuously drawn lines, fluid forms and compact composition exemplify the proficiency and maturity the artists had achieved in the sixth century CE. The gracefully drawn faces of the king and the queen remind us of the style of modelling in Ajanta.
Statement 3 is correct: Paintings in this cave depict palace scenes. For example- One shows Kirtivarman, the son of Pulakesin I and the elder brother of Mangalesha, seated inside the palace with his wife and feudatories watching a dance scene.