📚 Part of: Ancient Indian Geography And Agriculture Mcqs

This is a place of worship with huge rock-cut images and stones of Lord Shiva in Tripura.

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Correct Answer: B) Unakoti Hills.

Exam Relevance: UPSC Civil Services, State PSC Exams, History and Culture Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes:

Unakoti Hills is a significant archaeological site located in Tripura, India. It is renowned for its rock-cut images and sculptures, primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva. The site is a testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region and attracts pilgrims and tourists alike.

Common Mistakes:
  • Confusing Unakoti Hills with other pilgrimage sites in the region.
  • Not recognizing the specific religious significance of the site.
  • Misunderstanding the geographical location of the site within Tripura.
Explanation:

Unakoti Hills is a significant archaeological and religious site located in the northeastern state of Tripura, India. The site is renowned for its rock-cut images and sculptures, primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. The term "Unakoti" translates to "one less than a crore" (one less than ten million), which is believed to be a reference to the number of images and sculptures present at the site.

The rock-cut images at Unakoti Hills are carved into the natural rock formations of the hills, showcasing the ancient craftsmanship and religious devotion of the region. The site is particularly famous for the massive image of Lord Shiva, known as the "Unakoti Shiva," which is one of the largest rock-cut images in India. The sculpture is believed to have been created during the 7th to 9th centuries CE, making it a significant historical and cultural landmark.

The site is not only a place of worship but also a popular destination for tourists and archaeologists due to its unique rock-cut architecture and historical significance. The Unakoti Hills are part of the larger cultural and religious landscape of Tripura, which is known for its rich heritage and diverse religious practices.

It is important to distinguish Unakoti Hills from other geographical features in the region, such as the Chittagong Hills, which are located in Bangladesh and are primarily known for their natural beauty and biodiversity. The Chittagong Hills do not have the specific religious and cultural significance associated with rock-cut images and sculptures of Lord Shiva.

In summary, Unakoti Hills is the correct answer because it is the site in Tripura known for its rock-cut images and sculptures of Lord Shiva, making it a significant place of worship and cultural heritage. The other options either do not have this specific religious significance or are incorrect in the context of the question.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Chittagong Hills is incorrect. While it is a geographical feature in the region, it is not known for its rock-cut images of Lord Shiva. Chittagong Hills are located in Bangladesh and are primarily known for their natural beauty and biodiversity, not for religious rock-cut sculptures.
  • Option B: Unakoti Hills is the correct answer. This site is famous for its rock-cut images and sculptures, particularly those of Lord Shiva. The site is located in the Unakoti district of Tripura and is a significant place of worship and pilgrimage. The rock-cut images are carved into the hills and are a testament to the ancient craftsmanship and religious devotion of the region.
  • Option C: Either (A) or (B) is incorrect. This option is misleading because while both Chittagong Hills and Unakoti Hills are geographical features, only Unakoti Hills is known for its rock-cut images and sculptures of Lord Shiva. Chittagong Hills do not have this specific religious and cultural significance.
  • Option D: Neither (A) nor (B) is incorrect. This option is incorrect because Unakoti Hills, which is one of the options, is indeed the correct answer. It is a significant site of worship with rock-cut images and sculptures of Lord Shiva.

Mnemonic: UNA for Unakoti, KOTI for millions, hinting at the massive scale of the site.

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