2018 · Q117
Which one of the following statements about the Elephanta Island is correct?
General KnowledgeHistory of India
- AIt was given its name by the British after a large elephant structure located there.
- BIt contains one large cave.
- CIt is well-known for a spectacular carving of Vishnu described in the Vishnudharmottara Purana.
- DIt is associated with the Pashupata sect.
Explanation
Elephanta was named by the Portuguese (not the British) after a stone elephant — so A is incorrect. The island has seven caves (five Hindu, two Buddhist), not one — so B is incorrect. It is famed for the Trimurti/Maheshmurti sculpture of Shiva, not a Vishnu carving described in the Vishnudharmottara Purana — so C is incorrect. Its Kalachuri patrons were followers of the Pashupata sect of Shaivism — so D is the correct statement.