WBCS.LIVE practice question

Ashoka carved out rock-cut caves at Barabar and Nagarjun hills in Bihar for one of the following:

Solve this multiple-choice question and check the correct answer with its explanation below.

Answer options

  1. Hinayana
  2. Digambara
  3. Ajivika
  4. Mahayana

Correct answer and explanation

Correct answer: Ajivika

Explanation: ✅ Correct Answer: C) Ajivika 📚 Explanation: Emperor Ashoka and his grandson Dasharatha carved out magnificent rock-cut caves at the Barabar and Nagarjuni hills in Bihar specifically for the ascetics of the Ajivika sect. This philosophy was founded by Makkhali Gosala and believed in absolute destiny. Despite being a devout Buddhist himself, Ashoka's patronage of these caves reflects his state policy of religious tolerance and respect for all faiths. These structures are among the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India.