Consider the following statements regarding Badami and the Chalukyan dynasty:
1. The Badami caves were excavated under the patronage of Chalukya king Mangalesha.
2. An inscription in Cave No. 4, mentions the dedication of an image of Shiva, indicating Shaivite influence.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 and 2

Question

Consider the following statements regarding Badami and the Chalukyan dynasty:
1. The Badami caves were excavated under the patronage of Chalukya king Mangalesha.
2. An inscription in Cave No. 4, mentions the dedication of an image of Shiva, indicating Shaivite influence.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 and 2

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Statement 1 is correct: King Mangalesha, who ruled the Chalukya dynasty from 598 to 610 CE, is credited with significant contributions to the excavation of the Badami cave temples. An inscription dated 578 CE in Cave 3 attributes its creation to Mangalesha, indicating his patronage in completing these monumental structures.

Statement 2 is not correct: Cave 4 of the Badami cave temples is dedicated to Jainism and features carvings of revered Jain figures. The Shaivite influence is predominantly observed in Cave 1, which contains significant depictions of Lord Shiva, including an 18-armed dancing Shiva. Therefore, there is no inscription in Cave 4 indicating the dedication of an image of Shiva.

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Chalukyan Dynasty and Badami Caves

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M Question 1	⏱ 0
Consider the following statements regarding Badami and the Chalukyan dynasty: 1. The Badami caves were excavated under the patronage of Chalukya king Mangalesha. 2. An inscription in Cave No. 4, mentions the dedication of an image of Shiva, indicating Shaivite influence. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 and 2