Question

'Das Avatara' from cave no 15 of the Ellora was carved during which century?

• A. \(2^{nd}\) C.E.
• B. \(5^{th}\) C.E.
• C. \(8^{th}\) C.E.
• D. \(13^{th}\) C.E.

Hint:

The majority of the Hindu and Jain caves at Ellora, including the most famous ones like Cave 15 and 16, were created under the patronage of the Rashtrakuta dynasty (8th-10th centuries).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Cave 15 and its patrons.Cave 15, the Dashavatara (Ten Avatars of Vishnu) cave at Ellora, was built during the reign of Dantidurga of the Rashtrakuta dynasty.
Step 2: Historical period of the patrons.The Rashtrakuta dynasty ruled parts of India from the 8th to 10th centuries C.E. Dantidurga, who changed the cave from a Buddhist vihara to a Hindu temple, reigned in the mid-8th century (circa 735-756 C.E.). Thus, the carvings are from the 8th century C.E.