Consider the following historical places: 1. Ajanta Caves 2. Lepakshi Temple 3. Sanchi Stupa Which of the above places is / are also known for mural paintings?

The correct answer is B (1 and 2 only). Ajanta and Lepakshi are both famous for murals, while Sanchi is not.

• 1. Ajanta Caves (Maharashtra): Correct. The Buddhist rock-cut caves, especially Caves 1, 2, 16 and 17, have some of India's best-preserved murals, showing Jataka tales and the Buddha's life. Caves 16 and 17 date to the Vakataka period.
• 2. Lepakshi Temple (Andhra Pradesh): Correct. This Vijayanagara-period Veerabhadra temple has painted ceilings and walls with mythological and courtly scenes, and its painting tradition is often compared with Vijayanagara murals elsewhere.
• 3. Sanchi Stupa (Madhya Pradesh): Wrong. Sanchi is famous for its toranas, relief carvings and yakshi sculptures, not for murals. It is a UNESCO site, but its art is in stone.

The core concept is the difference between mural painting (on walls and ceilings) and sculptural or relief art (in stone). For Mains, this links to art and culture questions on the evolution of Indian art across religions and dynasties.

Trap: Aspirants assume every ancient monument has murals and pick C, or confuse Sanchi with Bhimbetka, which has prehistoric rock paintings, not stupa murals.