Post Mauryan Period

**Statement 1 is incorrect:** Ajanta and Mahabalipuram were not built in the same period. - Ajanta is known for its rock-cut cave monuments, which were constructed from the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE, primarily during the Gupta and Vakataka dynasties. - On the other hand, Mahabalipuram's rock-cut monuments and structures were built primarily during the 7th and 8th centuries CE, under the Pallava dynasty. **Statement 2 is incorrect:** - Ajanta is associated with Buddhism, as the cave monuments were used as monasteries and temples by Buddhist monks. - Mahabalipuram, on the other hand, is associated with Hinduism, as the rock-cut monuments and temples are dedicated to Hindu deities and themes. **Statement 3 is correct:** Both Ajanta and Mahabalipuram are known for their remarkable rock-cut monuments and structures. The Ajanta Caves are a series of rock-cut cave temples and monasteries, while Mahabalipuram is renowned for its rock-cut temples, Rathas (chariot-shaped temples), and other monumental structures carved directly out of rock. Therefore, the only common feature between Ajanta and Mahabalipuram is that both have rock-cut monuments, as stated in statement 3.

**Kanaganahalli**, located near Sannati in Karnataka, is an archaeological site known for its Buddhist stupas, sculptures, and inscription slabs. One particular sculpture depicts a royal figure with attendants, identified through the Brahmi inscription as "Ranyo Ashoka" (King Ashoka). This makes it the only confirmed instance among the given options where the inscription and the portrait are found together. **Sanchi**, in Madhya Pradesh, is famous for its Great Stupa, built under Ashoka's patronage. **Shahbazgarhi:** Located in modern-day Pakistan, Shahbazgarhi contains Ashokan Edicts written in Kharosthi script. These edicts promote Dharma (moral law) but do not include a stone portrait of Ashoka. **Sohgaura**, in Uttar Pradesh, has a pre-Ashokan inscription, written in the Brahmi script. It is not associated with Ashoka but rather with a Mauryan period famine relief measure.

**Pair 1 is incorrectly matched**: **Besnagar (Bhilsa or Vidisha)** in Madhya Pradesh, is not particularly well-known for a Shaivite cave shrine. Archaeological excavations revealed remains of Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu temples, but the site is more famous for the Heliodorus Pillar, an ancient Garuda pillar dedicated to Lord Vishnu. **Pair 2 is correctly matched**: **Bhaja Caves (near Pune, Maharashtra)** are a group of 22 rock-cut caves built during the 2nd century BC and are well known for their Buddhist architecture and sculptures. **Pair 3 is correctly matched**: **Sittanavasal (Pudukottai district, Tamil Nadu)** is a village known for its Jain cave shrine, considered to be among the oldest Jain monuments in India.