Question

Arrange the following Mural Paintings sites in chronological order: \[ \text{A. Ellora} \] \[ \text{B. Ajanta} \] \[ \text{C. Bagh} \] \[ \text{D. Thanjavur} \] \[ \text{E. Lepakshi} \]

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

Hint:

Mural painting chronology shortcut: \[ \text{Ajanta} \rightarrow \text{Bagh} \rightarrow \text{Ellora} \rightarrow \text{Thanjavur} \rightarrow \text{Lepakshi} \]

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept:
Mural paintings are wall paintings made on caves, temples, and other architectural surfaces. Indian mural tradition developed from early Buddhist caves to later temple paintings.

Step 1: Identify the earliest site.
Ajanta is one of the earliest and most famous mural painting sites. So, the first is: \[ B = \text{Ajanta} \]

Step 2: Place Bagh.
Bagh murals belong to a later ancient phase and are stylistically related to the Ajanta tradition. So, the second is: \[ C = \text{Bagh} \]

Step 3: Place Ellora.
Ellora mural tradition comes after Ajanta and Bagh. So, the third is: \[ A = \text{Ellora} \]

Step 4: Place Thanjavur.
Thanjavur murals belong to the Chola and later temple tradition. So, the fourth is: \[ D = \text{Thanjavur} \]

Step 5: Place Lepakshi.
Lepakshi paintings belong to the Vijayanagara period and are later. So, the last is: \[ E = \text{Lepakshi} \] Thus, the correct sequence is: \[ B \rightarrow C \rightarrow A \rightarrow D \rightarrow E \] Hence, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{(D) B, C, A, D, E}} \]