The Hallisalasya painting in the Bagh Caves represents:

Question

The Hallisalasya painting in the Bagh Caves represents:

1. A. A joyous folk dance (Correct answer)
2. B. Buddha in a meditative pose
3. C. The depiction of Shiva and Parvati on Kailasha
4. D. Samudramanthan (Churning of the Ocean)

Correct Answer

Option A — A

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Option A.

Key Points

• Explanation: The painting known as Hallisa Lasya in the Bagh Caves depicts a joyous folk dance.
• The hallisaka or hallisa was a circular group dance performed by women, and lasya denotes the graceful, gentle mode of dance — so the name itself describes a dance scene rather than a religious episode.

Additional Information

• The Bagh Caves are a group of rock-cut Buddhist caves in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh, on the bank of the Baghini river.
• Cave 4, known as the Rang Mahal, preserved the finest paintings, and stylistically they are close to Ajanta — so much so that they are often described as a continuation of the Ajanta tradition in a secular, worldly register.