Q. Ashoka carved out rock-cut caves at Barabar and Nagarjun hills in Bihar for one of the following:
(a) Hinayana
(b) Digambara
(c) Mahayana
(d) Ajivika
Ans: (d) Ajivika
Explanation: Ashoka carved out rock-cut caves at Barabar and Nagarjun hills in Bihar for (d) Ajivika.
The rock-cut caves at Barabar and Nagarjun hills were created by Ashoka for the Ajivika sect, an ancient Indian religious group that was contemporary to Buddhism and Jainism. The Ajivikas were one of the heterodox schools of thought in ancient India and had their own distinct beliefs and practices. Ashoka, known for his patronage of various religious groups, including Buddhism, also supported the Ajivikas and had these caves carved out for their use. The caves at Barabar and Nagarjun hills are significant examples of ancient rock-cut architecture and serve as important historical and religious sites.
