Consider the following pairs : Site Well known for 1.Besnagar : Shaivite cave shrine 2.Bhaja : Buddhist cave shrine 3.Sittanavasal : Jain cave shrine How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

1. A. (a) Only one
2. B. (b) Only two
3. C. (c) All three
4. D. (d) None

Answer: B

Explanation

The Besnagar pillar, also known as the Heliodorus pillar, is associated with Vaishnavism (dedicated to Lord Vasudeva), not Shaivism. Thus, pair 1 is incorrectly matched. Bhaja caves are indeed well-known Buddhist rock-cut caves, making pair 2 correctly matched. Sittanavasal caves are famous Jain rock-cut cave shrines, particularly for their frescoes and early Jain monastic settlements, making pair 3 correctly matched. Therefore, only two pairs (2 and 3) are correctly matched. This question assesses knowledge of ancient Indian religious sites and their affiliations, a core topic in UPSC Art & Culture.