UPSC Prelims 2026 · GS Paper 1 · Question 6
The Hallisalasya painting in the Bagh Caves represents :
Correct answer: Option A
History
Options
- (a) A joyous folk dance
- (b) Buddha in a meditative pose
- (c) The depiction of Shiva and Parvati on Kailasha
- (d) Samudramanthan (Churning of the Ocean)
Detailed solution
Answer
Option (A) — A joyous folk dance
Explanation
- The Bagh Caves are a group of nine rock-cut caves situated in Bagh town of Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh, dating to the 5th-6th century AD.
- The caves are famous for their mural paintings, which are often compared to the Ajanta cave paintings.
- The term Hallisalasya refers to a group dance or a joyous folk dance depicted in the murals of Bagh Caves, showing a procession of dancers in lively movement.
- This painting is one of the most celebrated artworks from the Bagh Caves and depicts a festive, communal dance scene.
Statement Analysis
- (a) A joyous folk dance: Correct. Hallisalasya is a depiction of a group folk dance, which is one of the most famous murals in the Bagh Caves.
- (b) Buddha in a meditative pose: Incorrect. While the caves are Buddhist in origin, the Hallisalasya painting specifically depicts a dance scene, not a meditative pose.
- (c) The depiction of Shiva and Parvati on Kailasha: Incorrect. The Bagh Caves are Buddhist caves and this painting does not depict Hindu deities.
- (d) Samudramanthan (Churning of the Ocean): Incorrect. This is not the subject of the Hallisalasya painting.