What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram? 1. Both were built in the same period. 2. Both belong to the same religious denomination. 3. Both have rock-cut monuments. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

The correct answer is B (3 only). Only the third statement holds.

Statement 1 is wrong. Ajanta's caves were excavated in phases from roughly the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE, under the Satavahanas and later the Vakatakas. Mahabalipuram's monuments belong to the Pallava period, mainly the 7th and early 8th centuries CE, under rulers such as Narasimhavarman I.

Statement 2 is wrong. Ajanta is a Buddhist complex with viharas and chaityas carrying Buddha and Bodhisattva imagery. Mahabalipuram is Hindu, with Shaiva and Vaishnava themes such as the Arjuna's Penance relief and the Shore Temple.

Statement 3 is correct. Ajanta's caves are cut into the scarp above the Waghora river in Maharashtra. Mahabalipuram's Pancha Rathas and the Varaha cave mandapa are also rock-cut, though its Shore Temple is structural.

Core concept: rock-cut architecture is a building technique, distinct from the religion or dynasty behind a monument. This links to Art and Culture and to Mains questions on the evolution of Indian temple architecture.

Trap: Aspirants pick A or C by assuming two famous ancient monuments must be contemporaneous or of the same faith. Check dynasty and religion separately.