Part of: Maharashtra Gk set 21

Near Bombay, in an island of ..... cave temple is situated.

Category: Maharashtra Gk

Hint: Consider the geographical location of the cave temples near Bombay.

Correct Answer: A) Elephanta

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Elephanta Caves are a significant archaeological site located on Elephanta Island, which is situated in the Arabian Sea, approximately 10 kilometers east of the city of Mumbai (formerly Bombay) in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The island is also known as Gharapuri, which means "City of Caves." The Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are renowned for their intricate rock-cut sculptures and carvings, primarily dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.

The Elephanta Caves consist of seven caves, with the main cave being the Great Cave, which is a large hall with a series of sculptures and reliefs depicting various aspects of Shiva. The caves are believed to have been carved between the 5th and 8th centuries CE, and they represent a significant example of Indian rock-cut architecture and sculpture.

On the other hand, the Ellora Caves are located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, which is far from Bombay. The Ellora Caves are a complex of 34 rock-cut temples and monasteries, dating from the 6th to the 10th centuries CE. They are known for their impressive architecture and sculptures, representing the three major Indian religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The Ellora Caves are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but they are not located near Bombay.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option A, as the Elephanta Caves are the cave temples located near Bombay. The other options are incorrect because the Ellora Caves are not located near Bombay, and the combination or exclusion of both options does not accurately reflect the location of the cave temples near Bombay.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. The Elephanta Caves are located on Elephanta Island, which is near Bombay. The caves are a significant archaeological site and are known for their rock-cut sculptures dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. The Ellora Caves are located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, which is far from Bombay. They are known for their rock-cut temples and monasteries, but they are not located near Bombay.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. While both Elephanta and Ellora are important cave temple sites in Maharashtra, only the Elephanta Caves are located near Bombay.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. The Elephanta Caves are indeed located near Bombay, so this option is not correct.

Mnemonic: ELEPHANTA: Elephant Island near Bombay

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