What is the famous rock boulder at Mahabalipuram known as?

Category: Tamil Nadu Gk

Hint: Think about the cultural and religious significance of the landmark.

Correct Answer: C) Krishna's butter ball.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The famous rock boulder at Mahabalipuram, a town in Tamil Nadu, India, is known as Krishna's Butter Ball. This massive granite boulder, weighing approximately 250 tons, is perched precariously on a small rock base and has been a subject of fascination for centuries. The name "Krishna's Butter Ball" is derived from the Hindu deity Krishna, who is known for his playful childhood activities involving butter. This boulder is a significant tourist attraction and a testament to the ancient engineering skills of the region.

Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a town located in the Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is famous for its ancient temples, cave sanctuaries, and rock-cut architecture. The town is a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts due to its rich cultural and historical significance.

The rock boulder known as Krishna's Butter Ball is a natural formation that has been a subject of curiosity and wonder for centuries. Its precarious position on a small rock base has led to various theories and legends about its origin and stability. Some believe that it was placed there by ancient engineers using advanced techniques, while others attribute its position to natural geological processes.

The cultural and religious significance of the boulder is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. The name "Krishna's Butter Ball" is a reference to the playful childhood activities of Lord Krishna, who is known for stealing butter from his mother's storage. This connection to a beloved deity adds to the boulder's cultural and religious importance, making it a significant landmark in the region.

Understanding the cultural and historical context of landmarks like Krishna's Butter Ball is essential for students preparing for competitive examinations such as the UPSC, SSC, and State PSC. These exams often include questions on the geography, history, and culture of different regions in India, and knowledge of such landmarks can be beneficial in answering these questions accurately.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This option is incorrect. The term "Ananda butter ball" is not associated with any known landmark in Mahabalipuram. The name "Ananda" does not have any cultural or historical significance in this context.
Option B: This option is incorrect. "Amul butter ball" is a reference to the popular Indian dairy brand Amul, which is unrelated to the rock boulder in Mahabalipuram. The name "Amul" is a modern brand name and not a historical or cultural reference.
Option C: This option is correct. Krishna's Butter Ball is the name of the famous rock boulder located in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu. The name is derived from the Hindu deity Krishna, who is known for his playful childhood activities involving butter. The boulder is a significant tourist attraction and a symbol of ancient engineering skills.
Option D: This option is incorrect. "Gowardhan butter ball" is a reference to a different cultural and religious event associated with Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan hill to protect his people from a storm. This event is not related to the rock boulder in Mahabalipuram.

Mnemonic: KBB for Krishna's Butter Ball

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