Explanation: Maharashtra, a state in western India, is renowned for its rich cultural and historical heritage, which includes several ancient cave complexes. Among these, the Ajanta and Karla Caves are particularly significant.
The Ajanta Caves, located in Aurangabad district, are a series of 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments dating from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 or 650 CE. These caves are renowned for their intricate carvings and vibrant frescoes, which depict the life of the Buddha and various Jataka tales. The Ajanta Caves were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 due to their exceptional artistic and historical value.
The Karla Caves, situated in the Pune district, are another important set of rock-cut caves. They are primarily Buddhist in origin and date back to the 2nd century BCE. The Karla Caves are famous for their Chaitya Hall, which is one of the largest rock-cut Buddhist shrines in India. The caves also contain numerous sculptures and inscriptions that provide valuable insights into the religious and cultural practices of the time.
While both Ajanta and Karla Caves are located in Maharashtra, it is important to note that there are other significant cave complexes in India, such as the Ellora Caves, which are also located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. However, the question specifically asks about the caves listed in the options, and both Ajanta and Karla Caves are indeed located in Maharashtra.
Therefore, the correct answer is (D) Only (A) & (B), as it accurately identifies the caves that are located in Maharashtra from the given list. This answer reflects the geographical and historical significance of these caves within the state of Maharashtra.