All questions of Indian Architecture for UPSC CSE Exam

Consider the following statements about Ajanta Caves.
1. The figures in these caves were done using fresco painting
2. There was an absence of red colour in the paintings
3. The figures in these caves demonstrate idealism
Choose from the following options.
  • a)
    1 and 2 only
  • b)
    1 and 3 only
  • c)
    1 only
  • d)
    All of the above
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Sanjay Rana answered
  • The Ajanta caves were inscribed by the Buddhist monks under the patronage of the Vakataka kings - Harishena being a prominent one.
  • The figures in these caves were done using fresco painting and demonstrate considerable naturalism.
  • The colours were obtained from local vegetation and minerals. The outlines of the paintings were done in red colour and then the inside was painted.
  • One of the striking features is the absence of blue colour in the paintings. Cave No. 16 is one of the most elegant specimens of cave architecture.
  • The paintings are generally themed around Buddhism - the life of Buddha and Jataka stories.
  • Of the 29 caves, 5 were developed during the Hinayana phase while the remaining 24 were developed during the Mahayana phase of Buddhism.

It indicates warding off evil. A hand is stretched out, either horizontally or vertically, with the palm forward. The thumb presses the folded two middle fingers but the index and little fingers are raised straight upwards. It signifies expelling demons and negative energy. The energy created by this Mudra helps remove obstacles such as sickness or negative thoughts. It is:
  • a)
    Uttarbodhi mudra
  • b)
    Dharma Chakra mudra
  • c)
    Varada mudra
  • d)
    Karana mudra
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Aruna Singh answered
The correct answer is: d) Karana Mudra
The gesture you described is known as Karana Mudra, which is a hand gesture used in yoga and meditation practices to expel negative energy and purify the mind. To create the Karana Mudra, the hands are placed in front of the chest with the palms facing outward and the fingers extended. The index and middle fingers are then bent down and pressed against the palms, while the other fingers are held straight. This mudra is often accompanied by the visualization of light or energy being emitted from the hands, and is believed to help clear the mind and create a sense of balance and calm. It is often used as part of a meditation practice or as a way to prepare the mind and body for yoga or other physical practices.
Uttarbodhi Mudra, Dharma Chakra Mudra, and Varada Mudra are all different hand gestures with their own specific meanings and uses.

Consider the following statements regarding Sarnath sculptures;
1. During the Gupta period, a new school of sculpture developed around Sarnath
2. It was characterised by the use of cream coloured sandstone and the use of metal
3. The sculptures of this school were immaculately dressed and lacked any form of nakedness
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 and 2 only
  • b)
    1 and 3 only
  • c)
    1 only
  • d)
    All of the above
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Rishabh Singh answered
  • During the Gupta period, a new school of sculpture developed around Sarnath. It was characterised by the use of cream coloured sandstone and the use of metal.
  • The sculptures of this school were immaculately dressed and lacked any form of nakedness. The halo around the head of Buddha was intricately decorated. Example: Sultanganj Buddha (7.5 ft high).

Consider the following statements about stupas in the post-Mauryan period.
1. Stupas became larger and more decorative in the post-Maurya period
2. Wood was the principal building material
3. Their torans were evidence of Hellenistic influence
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 and 2 only
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    1 and 3 only
  • d)
    All of the above
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Eshaan Kapoor answered
  • Stupas became larger and more decorative in the post-Mauryan period.
  • Stone was increasingly used in place of wood and brick.
  • The Shunga dynasty introduced the idea of torans as beautifully decorated gateways to the stupas. The torans were intricately carved with figures and patterns and were evidence of Hellenistic influence.

Consider the following statements.
1. Mathura school was patronised by kushana rulers
2. Madurai School developed in the North-West frontier
Which of these statements are correct?
  • a)
    1 Only
  • b)
    2 Only
  • c)
    Both of them
  • d)
    Neither of them
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Jaideep Sen answered
Mathura School and Madurai School

The Mathura School of Art and Madurai School of Art are two significant schools of art in ancient India. Let us discuss the given statements in detail.

Mathura School of Art

- The Mathura School of Art flourished in the period between the 1st century BCE and the 3rd century CE.
- It developed in the region of Mathura, which was an important centre of trade and commerce situated on the banks of the Yamuna river in present-day Uttar Pradesh.
- The Mathura School of Art was patronised by the Kushana rulers who ruled over a vast empire in northern India during this period.
- The school produced some of the finest sculptures in Indian art, including the famous standing Buddha statue at the Sarnath Museum in Varanasi.
- The sculptures of the Mathura School are characterised by their naturalistic style, with an emphasis on human emotions and physical features.

Madurai School of Art

- The Madurai School of Art developed in the region of Madurai in present-day Tamil Nadu.
- It flourished during the period between the 7th century CE and the 12th century CE.
- The Madurai School of Art was influenced by the Pallava and Chola styles of architecture and sculpture.
- The sculptures of the Madurai School are characterised by their intricate carvings and elaborate details.
- The Madurai School is known for its famous Meenakshi Temple, which is an outstanding example of Dravidian architecture and sculpture.

Correct Statement

- The first statement is correct. The Mathura School of Art was indeed patronised by the Kushana rulers.
- The second statement is incorrect. The Madurai School of Art did not develop in the North-West frontier. It developed in the southern region of Madurai in Tamil Nadu.

Hence, the correct answer is option 'A', i.e., 1 only.

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