CDS 2026 · PYQ · Ancient India / Rock-cut Architecture · hard
With reference to the Ranigumpha Cave (Odisha), consider the following statements : 1. Ranigumpha Cave is plain and contains no murals or sculptures. 2. Ranigumpha Cave is two-storeyed. 3. Ranigumpha Cave consists of an oval courtyard. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A.1 only
B.2 only✓ Correct
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Only statement 2 is correct. The Ranigumpha Cave, part of the Udayagiri-Khandagiri caves in Odisha (near Bhubaneswar), is a famous two-storeyed rock-cut cave built during the reign of King Kharavela of the Chedi dynasty (1st century BCE). Statement 1 is incorrect because the cave is richly decorated with elaborate sculptures, friezes, and carvings depicting royal scenes, hunting, dance and processions. Statement 3 is incorrect because the cave does not have an oval courtyard — it has a rectangular layout with carved verandahs on both storeys.
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