What is/are common to the two historical places known as Ajanta and Mahabalipuram?

1. Both were built in the same period.

2. Both belong to the same religious denomination.

3. Both have rock-cut monuments.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The correct answer is 3 only — meaning only Statement 3 is common to both Ajanta and Mahabalipuram: Both have rock-cut monuments.

Let us analyze each statement carefully by examining what we know about these two historically significant sites.

About Ajanta:
Ajanta Caves are located in Maharashtra, India. They are a series of approximately 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments. These caves were excavated in two distinct phases — the first phase dates to around the 2nd century BCE to 1st century CE (Hinayana phase), and the second phase spans roughly 5th to 6th century CE (Mahayana phase, largely under the Vakataka dynasty). Ajanta is renowned for its exquisite paintings, sculptures, and architecture, all carved directly into the rock face of a cliff.

About Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram):
Mahabalipuram is located in Tamil Nadu, India, on the Coromandel Coast. It is famous for its rock-cut temples, rathas (chariot-shaped shrines), and the Shore Temple. These monuments were primarily built during the reign of the Pallava dynasty, especially under King Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla) and his successors, dating to approximately 7th to 8th century CE. The site is primarily Hindu in religious character, dedicated to deities like Shiva and Vishnu.

Evaluating Statement 1: "Both were built in the same period."
This statement is incorrect. As established above:

• Ajanta's main construction phases span roughly 2nd century BCE to 6th century CE.
• Mahabalipuram was primarily built during the 7th–8th century CE under the Pallava rulers.

These are clearly different historical periods, separated by several centuries. Therefore, Statement 1 does not apply as a common feature.

Evaluating Statement 2: "Both belong to the same religious denomination."
This statement is also incorrect.

• Ajanta is entirely Buddhist in nature — its caves served as Buddhist monasteries (viharas) and prayer halls (chaityas), depicting the life of the Buddha and Jataka tales.
• Mahabalipuram is primarily Hindu in character — its monuments are dedicated to Hindu deities, particularly Lord Shiva.

Since one site is Buddhist and the other is Hindu, they do not belong to the same religious denomination. Statement 2 is therefore false.

Evaluating Statement 3: "Both have rock-cut monuments."
This statement is correct and is the key common feature between the two sites.

• At Ajanta, all 30 caves are hewn directly into the volcanic basalt cliff — they are classic examples of rock-cut architecture where the entire structure, from the exterior facade to the interior pillars, sculptures, and cells, is carved out of the living rock.
• At Mahabalipuram, many of its most iconic features are also rock-cut — the famous Pancha Rathas (Five Rathas) are monolithic rock-cut structures, the Arjuna's Penance (Descent of the Ganges) is a massive bas-relief carved on a natural rock surface, and several mandapas (cave temples) are cut directly into the rocky hillside.

Both sites, despite their geographical distance, different time periods, and different religious affiliations, share the architectural tradition of rock-cut construction. This is the one and only valid common feature between Ajanta and Mahabalipuram.

Conclusion:
Only Statement 3 holds true for both Ajanta and Mahabalipuram. Statements 1 and 2 are factually incorrect as common attributes. Hence, the correct answer is "3 only".