Question

Arrange the following Ancient Buddhist caves in chronological order: \[ \text{A. Ajanta Cave 9 and 10} \] \[ \text{B. Karle} \] \[ \text{C. Pitalkhora} \] \[ \text{D. Kondane} \] \[ \text{E. Bhaja} \]

• A. A, B, C, E, D
• B. E, A, B, C, D
• C. E, D, C, A, B
• D. C, D, E, A, B

Hint:

In Buddhist cave chronology, Bhaja is an important early clue, while Karle represents a more developed chaitya tradition.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept:
Buddhist rock-cut caves developed gradually in western India. Early caves were simple, while later caves became more elaborate with developed chaitya halls, pillars, facades, and sculptural decoration.

Step 1: Identify the earliest cave.
Bhaja is one of the earliest Buddhist rock-cut cave sites. So, the first is: \[ E = \text{Bhaja} \]

Step 2: Place Kondane.
Kondane also belongs to the early phase of Buddhist cave architecture. So, the second is: \[ D = \text{Kondane} \]

Step 3: Place Pitalkhora.
Pitalkhora developed after the earliest phase and shows progress in rock-cut architecture. So, the third is: \[ C = \text{Pitalkhora} \]

Step 4: Place Ajanta Cave 9 and 10.
Ajanta Cave 9 and 10 are early chaitya caves, but in this sequence they come after Pitalkhora. So, the fourth is: \[ A = \text{Ajanta Cave 9 and 10} \]

Step 5: Place Karle.
Karle is a developed chaitya hall and is placed later in the sequence. So, the last is: \[ B = \text{Karle} \] Therefore, the correct sequence is: \[ E \rightarrow D \rightarrow C \rightarrow A \rightarrow B \] Hence, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{(C) E, D, C, A, B}} \]