Pre historic painting & Cave paintings MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Pre historic painting & Cave paintings - Download Free PDF

Joan Cockburn and A. Carlleye discovered the prehistoric Rock painting site of the Banda-Mirzapur.

Key Points

• Archibald Carlleye discovered rock paintings at Sohigat in the Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh in 1867 and 1868.
• He was a British archaeologist who assisted Alexander Cunningham.
• These rock paintings were later popularised by J.Cockburn and Vincent A Smith.
• In 1881, Joan Cockburn found a painting of rhinoceros hunted by three men in a shelter near Roap village.
• Therefore, the prehistoric rock painting site of Banda-Mirzapur was discovered by Joan Cockburn and A Carlleye.
• During the first part of the 21st century, a plethora of rock art sites have been discovered in India, especially Central India.

 Thus, we can say that Joan Cockburn and A. Carlleye discovered the prehistoric Rock painting site of the Banda-Mirzapur.

The correct answer is - Rang Mahal

Key Points

• Rang Mahal
  • Rang Mahal is the most famous cave in the Bagh complex.
  • It is known for its beautiful paintings and intricate designs.
  • The cave is a significant example of ancient Indian art and architecture.
  • It reflects the cultural heritage and history of the region.

Additional Information

• Bagh Caves
  • The Bagh Caves are a group of nine rock-cut monuments located in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, India.
  • They are renowned for their historical significance and artistic excellence.
• Architecture and Art
  • The caves are adorned with beautiful murals and paintings which depict various themes and subjects.
  • The artwork in the caves is an excellent representation of the Gupta period art style.
• Historical Context
  • These caves were excavated during the 5th and 6th centuries CE.
  • They were used as monasteries by Buddhist monks.

The correct answer is - They use gold leaf for decoration

Key Points

• Gold leaf decoration
  • The Badami murals are unique for their use of gold leaf in their decoration.
  • This technique involves applying a thin layer of gold to the surface, giving the murals a distinctive and luxurious appearance.
  • It highlights the artistic sophistication and the wealth of the patrons who commissioned these works.

Additional Information

• Comparison with Ajanta murals
  • While both Badami and Ajanta murals share stylistic similarities, the use of gold leaf in Badami murals sets them apart.
  • Ajanta murals are renowned for their intricate detailing and use of natural pigments but do not extensively use gold leaf.
• Historical context
  • The Badami murals were created during the reign of the Chalukya dynasty in the 6th century.
  • This period was marked by a flourishing of art and architecture, supported by the Chalukya rulers.
• Preservation
  • Efforts are ongoing to preserve these murals, given their historical and artistic significance.
  • The use of gold leaf in the murals makes their preservation challenging, requiring specialized conservation techniques.

The correct answer is - Vishnu

Key Points

• Vishnu
  • Cave 3 in Badami is dedicated to the Hindu deity Vishnu.
  • This cave is the largest and most ornate of the Badami caves, showcasing intricate carvings and sculptures of Vishnu in various forms.
  • The cave features detailed depictions of scenes from Vishnu's various avatars, including the Vamana and Trivikrama avatars.

Additional Information

• Badami Caves
  • The Badami cave temples are located in the town of Badami in Karnataka, India, and are famous for their rock-cut architecture.
  • These caves were carved out between the 6th and 8th centuries during the reign of the Chalukya dynasty.
  • There are four main caves, each dedicated to different deities and religions:
    • Cave 1: Dedicated to Shiva, featuring statues and carvings of Shiva in various forms.
    • Cave 2: Also dedicated to Vishnu, with intricate carvings.
    • Cave 3: The largest, dedicated to Vishnu.
    • Cave 4: Dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras, showing the spread of Jainism in the region.

The correct answer is - Mangalesha

Key Points

• Mangalesha
  • Mangalesha was the ruler of the Chalukya dynasty.
  • He was the younger brother of Kirtivarman I and succeeded him to the throne.
  • Mangalesha is known for his patronage of art and architecture, particularly in the Badami region.
  • The murals in Badami’s Cave 3 are attributed to his reign.

Additional Information

• Chalukya Dynasty
  • The Chalukyas were a prominent South Indian dynasty that ruled large parts of southern and central India between the 6th and 12th centuries.
  • They are known for their contributions to art, architecture, and literature.
  • Their rule was marked by the construction of numerous temples, cave complexes, and other architectural marvels.
• Badami Caves
  • The Badami cave temples are a complex of four Hindu, Jain, and possibly Buddhist cave temples located in Badami, Karnataka.
  • Cave 3 is the largest and most elaborate of the Badami caves, known for its intricate carvings and murals.
  • The murals depict various themes from Hindu mythology, including the life of Lord Vishnu.
• Art and Architecture
  • The Chalukya rulers were great patrons of art and architecture, fostering the development of a unique style that blended elements from northern and southern India.
  • Their contributions include the development of the Vesara style of architecture, which is seen in many of their temples and structures.

The correct answer is Rectangular.

Key Points

• Punch-marked Coins
  • ​Punch-marked coins were generally rectangular or sometimes square or round in shape, either cut out of metal sheets or made out of flattened metal globules (a small spherical body). 
  • The coins were not inscribed but were stamped with symbols using dies or punches, that's why they are called punch-marked coins. 
  • These coins are found over most parts of the subcontinent and remained in circulation till the early centuries CE.
  • The Punch marked coin series can be further divided into four categories: The Taxila-Gandhara type, the Kosala type, the Avanti type, and the Magadhan type.
  • With the expansion of the Magadhan Empire, the coins that belonged to the Magadhan category replaced the other three types.
  • It must be noted that these coins do not have any legends inscribed on them which could convey the details of the kingdom.
  • Punched Marked coins were made of silver, had a standard weight but were irregular in shape.
  • The irregular shape was made by cutting up silver bars and then making the correct weight by cutting the edges of the coin.
  • These coins lack any inscriptions written in contemporary languages and were always struck in silver.
  • After the fall of the Maurya Empire and the increased influence of the Indo-Greeks,punch-marked coins were replaced by cast die struck coins as visible in the Post-Mauryan period.

The correct answer is Ajanta.

Some important paintings at Ajanta are:

• Scenes from the Jataka stories of the life of the Gautama Buddha, the Buddha’s former lives as a bodhisattva, etc.
• Paintings of various Bodhisattvas in tribhanga pose in Cave 1:
  • Vajrapani (protector and guide, a symbol of Buddha’s power),
  • Manjusri (manifestation of Buddha’s wisdom) and
  • Padmapani (Avalokitesvara) (symbol of Buddha’s compassion).
• The Dying Princess in Cave.no 16.

The correct answer is Buddha.

Key Points

•  The Ajanta and Ellora Caves is located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra state of India.
• The Ajanta caves are approximately 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments that date from the 2^nd century BCE to about 480 CE.
• The paintings that adorn the walls and ceilings of the Ajanta and Ellora caves depict incidents from the life of the Lord Buddha.
• The caves include paintings and rock-cut sculptures described as among the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art, particularly expressive paintings that present emotions through gesture, pose, and form.
• The most imposing excavation is the magnificent Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) which is the largest monolithic structure in the world. Known as Verul in ancient times, it has continuously attracted pilgrims through the centuries to the present day.
• The Ajanta and Ellora Caves is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983.

Additional Information

Maharashtra

• Maharashtra is the second most populous state in India.
• Mumbai is the financial capital of India.
• The old name of Mumbai was Bombay.
• Maharashtra is the most industrialized and most urbanized state in India.
• Maharashtra is the leading producer of electricity.
• Pune is known as the Cultural capital of Maharashtra.
• Mumbai was the first venue of the first International Film Festival of India (1952).
• The first railway line in India - Bombay to Thane (1853).
• Bombay Stock Exchange(1875) is the oldest stock exchange in India and also the first stock exchange in Asia.
• Gateway of India is situated in Mumbai.
• The headquarter of Central Railway, Western Railway, and Konkan Railway is in Mumbai.
• The headquarters of RBI, LIC, NABARD is in Mumbai.
• The first meeting of the Indian National Congress was held in Bombay (1885).

The correct answer is Bhimbetka.

Key PointsBhimbetka

• It is famous for prehistoric paintings.
• The rock shelters of Bhimbetka are in the foothills of the Vindhyan Mountains on the southern edge of the central Indian plateau.
• The paintings appear to date from the Mesolithic Period right through to the historical period. 
• The cave consists of seven hills and over 750 rock shelters distributed over 10 km.
• Bhimbetka cave is closely associated with a hunting and gathering economy as demonstrated in the rock art.
• It shows how themes such as animals, early evidence of dance, and hunting.
• It was declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 2003.
• The site is in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh.

Additional Information

•  Sanchi and Amrawati are famous for Stupa.

The correct answer is it was inspired by the Vaishnavite traditions.

Important Points

• Kangra painting is one of the schools of Pahari paintings along with Guler, Basholi, Mandi, Chamba, and Bilaspur.
• It is a watercolour on cloth or paper.
• The colours of these paintings are soft colours including cool blues and greens, and lyrical treatment of themes are embedded.
• The name 'Kangra' is given to this group of paintings because they are identical in style to the portraits of Raja Sansar Chand of Kangra.
• It was inspired by the Vaishnavite traditions.
• The Kangra style of painting is known for its poetic and lyrical composition, with stress on beauty and delicateness in its composition.
• The female figures are beautifully painted with a focus on facial features.
• The detailing of the painting and its minuteness is noteworthy. Some of the popular themes are Gita Govinda, Nala- Damyanti, Bhagavata Purana, Radha – Krishna, Bihari Satsai, Baramasa, and Raagmala.

The correct answer is Perching birds that live on grain.Key PointsBhimbetka rock paintings

• Archaeological site: Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological site located in central India, in the Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh.
• Historical significance: The site spans the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and historic periods, and is considered to be one of the oldest examples of human life in India.
• Evidence of Stone Age: The site provides evidence of the Stone Age, starting from the Acheulian period.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Bhimbetka was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.
• Large complex: The site consists of seven hills and over 750 rock shelters spread over 10 km, and is one of the largest prehistoric complexes.
• Inhabited for over 100,000 years: At least some of the shelters were inhabited more than 100,000 years ago.
• Cave paintings: Some of the rock shelters feature prehistoric cave paintings, with the earliest estimated to be about 10,000 years old (c. 8,000 BCE).
• Depiction of prehistoric life: The cave paintings depict themes such as animals, dance, hunting of birds and animals, and warriors on horseback, providing a rare glimpse into human settlement and cultural evolution from hunter-gatherers to agriculture and prehistoric spirituality.

• Oldest-known rock art in India: Bhimbetka is also home to the oldest-known rock art in India.

Hence the correct answer is Perching birds that live on grain.

The Kanheri Caves are located in Mumbai.

 Key Points

• Kanheri Caves are situated in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Kanheri Caves were excavated around 1st and 2nd century B.C.
• There is a total of 108 caves and it contains both Chaityas (Assembly halls that contain Stupas) and Viharas (Residence for Monks).
• Kanheri Caves are rock-cut caves and their main attraction is 22ft long Buddha statue.

Additional Information Some Important Caves:

• Elephanta Caves are a network of sculpted caves located on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri (literally "the city of caves") in Mumbai Harbour, 10 kilometres to the east of the city of Mumbai in the Indian state of Maharashtra.
• The island, located on an arm of the Arabian Sea, consists of two groups of caves - the first is a large group of five Hindu caves, the second, a smaller group of two Buddhist caves.
• The Elephanta site was first occupied by Hinayana Buddhists, before the arrival of the Brahmans to the island, to raise a large stupa to the Buddha with seven smaller stupas around it, probably around the 2nd century BCE.
• The Hindu caves contain rock cut stone sculptures, representing the Shaiva Hindu sect, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 to preserve the artwork and is currently maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
• Hence, the correct answer is Saiva Images.

Additional Information

Ellora caves-

• The Ellora caves, locally known as 'Verul Leni' is located on the Aurangabad - Chalisgaon road at a distance of 30 km north - northwest of Aurangabad, in the Indian state of Maharashtra.
• Ellora is one of the largest rock-cut monastery - temple caves complexes in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The cave temples and monasteries at Ellora, excavated out of the vertical face of an escarpment, are 26 km north of Aurangabad.
• Sculptors, inspired by Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism, created elaborate rock carvings. Extending in a linear arrangement, the 34 caves contain Buddhist Chaityas or halls of worship, Viharas or monasteries and Hindu and Jain temples.
• Spanning a period of about 600 years between the 5th and 11th century A.D., the earliest excavation here is of the Dhumar Lena (Cave 29).
• The Kailasha temple features the largest single monolithic rock excavation in the world.
• During the regime of the Rashtrakuta were the famous Ellora caves of Maharashtra built.

Ajanta Caves-

• The Ajanta Caves are a series of 29 Buddhist cave temples in Ajanta, India, some of which date from the 2nd century BC. Encompassing both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist traditions, the Ajanta caves preserve some of the best masterpieces of Buddhist art in India.
• Out of 29, 25 caves were used as Viharas or residential caves while 4 were used as Chaitya or prayer hills.
• It is said that Buddhist monks lived, studied and prayed in Ajanta caves for a long time.
• The Ajanta Caves were carved in the 2nd century BC out of a horseshoe-shaped cliff along the Waghora River.
• The caves were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.

The correct answer is Molela.

• Molela is a small, nondescript village in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan, situated on the banks of the river Banas.
  • It is famous for terracotta.
  • The distinction here lies in the terracotta plaques made here, only here all over India.

Key Points

• The small sun-soaked village of Molela is home to a vibrant community of terracotta clay artists.
• The art has evolved throughout the years but still remains popular for its intricate work.
• The villagers of Molela still use Terracotta pots and utensils for cooking food.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Kalamkari painting – Kerala. 

Key Points

• Kalamkari is mostly found in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
• Kalamkari is an ancient style of hand painting done on cotton or silk fabric with a tamarind pen, using natural dyes.
• These paintings have a close resemblance to the mural paintings of Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh.

Additional Information

• Thangka Painting
  • It is found in Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh region, and Arunachal Pradesh
  • The Thangka was originally used as a medium of reverence that evoked the highest ideals of Buddhism.
• Manjusha Painting
  • It is found in the Bhagalpur region of Bihar
  • It is also called snake painting.
  • These paintings are executed on boxes of jute and paper.
• Warli painting:
  • It comes from the people occupying mainly the Gujarat-Maharashtra border.
  • These paintings have a close resemblance to the mural paintings of Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh that date back to the pre-historic period. 
  • These ritualistic paintings have a central motif of a chaukat or chauk, which is surrounded by scenes portraying fishing, hunting, farming, dances, animals, trees, and festivals.
  • Among the Goddesses, Palaghata (goddess of fertility) is drawn and among the male gods, those spirits that have taken human form are represented.