Which vast complex of 29 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments, celebrated for masterpieces of ancient Indian murals depicting Jataka tales, is located in the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad) district of Maharashtra, India?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Ajanta Caves

  1. Step 1: The Ajanta Caves were carved into a horseshoe-shaped cliff along the Waghur River gorge between the 2nd century BCE and the 5th century CE under the Satavahana and Vakataka dynasties.
  2. Step 2: They represent the highest achievement of ancient Indian classical painting (fresco secco) and were designated an inaugural Indian UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
Answer
Ajanta Caves
Why not the others: 'Ellora Caves' Ellora Caves feature Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain monuments, including the monolithic Kailasa Temple (Cave 16); 'Elephanta Caves' Elephanta Caves are located on an island in Mumbai harbour dedicated primarily to Lord Shiva (Sadashiva sculpture); 'Bhimbetka Rock Shelters' Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh consists of prehistoric Paleolithic and Mesolithic cave rock paintings.

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