Ajanta and Mahabalipuram

Statement 1 is incorrect—Ajanta caves were constructed during the Satavahana period (2nd century BCE to 1st century CE) while Mahabalipuram monuments were built during the Pallava period (7th-8th centuries CE), spanning a gap of over 500 years. Statement 2 is incorrect—Ajanta represents Buddhist art and architecture while Mahabalipuram primarily represents Hindu (Shaiva) and some Buddhist art, so they don't belong to the same religious denomination exclusively. Statement 3 is correct—both Ajanta and Mahabalipuram are famous for their rock-cut monuments. Ajanta has rock-cut Buddhist caves and Mahabalipuram has rock-cut temples and sculptures including the Shore Temple and monolithic rathas. > Ajanta-Mahabalipuram: Both rock-cut monuments but different periods and religions. Answer: (b).