Previous Year Question
In which of the following rock-cut caves eleven headed Bodhisattva image is depicted?
Ajanta
Ellora
Kanheri
Karle
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
The Kanheri Caves, situated near Mumbai in Maharashtra, contain an extremely important image of the eleven-headed Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. This image is particularly associated with Cave 41.
In this image, the eleven heads of Avalokiteshvara are arranged in several tiers, one above another. According to an art-historical study available through IGNCA, it is an approximately sixth-century CE rock-cut relief and is regarded as one of the earliest known sculptural formulations in India of the eleven-headed Avalokiteshvara in a rock-cut shrine.
Avalokiteshvara is one of the principal Bodhisattvas of Mahayana Buddhism and represents compassion. Several forms of Avalokiteshvara are found at Kanheri. In Cave 41 and other caves, Avalokiteshvara is also represented in forms associated with rescuing devotees from various dangers.
The presence of such Avalokiteshvara images at Kanheri also indicates the considerable development of Mahayana Buddhist influence at this centre after the earlier Buddhist phase.
Buddhist and Bodhisattva images are also found at Ajanta and Ellora, while Karle is particularly famous for its great chaitya hall, but the eleven-headed Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara asked in the question is found at Kanheri.