Home / Topic / Rock-cut architecture
Topic Rock-cut architecture
Asked 5 times across 2 UPSC exams over 13 years (2013–2026), peaking in 2013.
Key insights
- Most tested in CDS — 3 of 5 PYQs
- Most asked in 2013
- Recurs across 5 years (2013–2026)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CSE 2013 → CDS 2018
How the concept evolved
Rising — more than half its appearances (4 of 5) are since 2016.
Related concepts
Ideas UPSC tests alongside this one — keep exploring.
Sample questions
You've seen the pattern — here are a few of the actual PYQs.
CDS2026
With reference to the Ranigumpha Cave (Odisha), consider the following statements
- Ranigumpha Cave is plain and contains no murals or sculptures
- Ranigumpha Cave is two-storeyed
- Ranigumpha Cave consists of an oval courtyard
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
- A 1 only
- B 2 only ✓
- C 1 and 3 only
- D 1, 2 and 3
✓ Correct answer: (B)
Art & Culture › Architecture & Sculpture
CDS2025
Consider the following statements about Ellora
- This art-historical site is associated exclusively with Buddhism
- The Kailasa temple at Ellora was built of dressed stone and kiln fired bricks
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
- A 1 only
- B 2 only
- C Both 1 and 2
- D Neither 1 nor 2
Answer key not yet available (pending official release)
Art & Culture › Architecture & Sculpture
CSE2023
Consider the following pairs : Site — Well known for
- Besnagar — Shaivite cave shrine
- Bhaja — Buddhist cave shrine
- Sittanavasal — Jain cave shrine
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
- A Only one
- B Only two ✓
- C All three
- D None
✓ Correct answer: (B)
Art & Culture › Architecture & Sculpture
Study how UPSC repeats — not just the papers
₹199 / 1 year · Founding Member
Full access unlocks the three things no PYQ PDF gives you:
① Cross-exam learning — see the same idea recur across CSE, CAPF, CDS and NDA.
② Topic evolution — how each idea is framed, year by year.
③ Question intelligence — every PYQ + answer, linked to related concepts and similar questions.
e.g. Round Table Conference: CDS 2017 → CSE 2017 → … → CAPF 2024
15 days free, no card required — then ₹199 for 1 year.
Start your 15-day free trial →