Question

The rock cut caves in Ajanta and Verul in Maharashtra were declared as World Heritage in 1987.
A. True
B. False

Answer 1

Hint: The Ajanta caves are Buddhist monuments which consist of 30 rock cut caves. They belong from the 2nd century BC to 1st Century BC. They are located in the district of Aurangabad in Maharashtra. These are masterpieces in Buddhist religious art.

Complete Step by Step answer: The answer to the question is false. The Ajanta caves were indeed declared as a World Heritage site but the year is 1983 and not 1987. Therefore the date in the question is wrong. The Ajanta caves are fascinating examples of Buddhist religious art. The first caves of the Ajanta are dated back to 1st and 2nd century BC. The second phase was created from 400-650 CE. During the Gupta period there were more caves added to these original caves.
The sites are protected under the Archeological Survey of India. The Ajanta caves consist of Buddhist monasteries and prayer halls. The walls of the caves portray stories from Buddha’s rebirth and the Jataka tales. Historical records suggest that the caves served as a shelter for monks during the monsoon period. Many merchants and pilgrims also rested here. The caves are made up of flood basalt rock which are a part of the Deccan Trap region as a result of volcanic eruptions.
Hence, Option ‘B’ is correct.

 Note:The Ajanta caves are a major tourist attraction of Maharashtra . The other caves of Ajanta style are the Elephanta caves, Aurangabad caves. The Ajanta caves are 100 km away from the Ellora caves which consists of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain religious sculptures.