Concept:The Lomas Rishi cave is an early rock-cut cave located in the Barabar Hills of Bihar, built during the Mauryan period.
Explanation:The Lomas Rishi cave is situated in the Jehanabad district of Bihar.
It was constructed in the 3rd century BCE, making it one of the oldest rock-cut caves in India.
Its ornamental facade mimics contemporary wooden architecture, resembling a thatched-roof hut.
The entrance features a row of elephants moving towards stupa symbols in a semi-circular frieze.
This cave represents the formative stage of the Chaitya (horseshoe) arch, later used in Buddhist temples.
The Barabar Hills contain four caves: Lomas Rishi, Sudama, Karan Chaupar, and Visva Zopri.
These caves were dedicated by Mauryan emperors Ashoka and Dasharatha to the Ajivika sect.
The interiors exhibit Mauryan polish, giving the granite surfaces a mirror-like finish.
The Lomas Rishi cave has a rectangular hall and a circular inner chamber with a hemispherical roof.
Its design directly influenced later Chaitya halls at Ajanta, Karle, and Kanheri.
Answer:The correct answer is Bihar (Option D).