Nitin Singhania Test: Indian Architecture, Sculpture & Pottery- 1 - UPSC MCQ

- Statement-I is correct because Ashoka's reign marked a significant period in Indian art history, with the construction of impressive stone pillars and monuments. These structures are considered some of the finest examples of ancient Indian art.
- Statement-II is also correct. The stonework during the Ashokan period was influenced by Greek, Persian, and Egyptian cultures, visible in the style and craftsmanship.
- Both statements are correct, and Statement-II provides context for the artistic influences mentioned in Statement-I. Thus, option A is correct.

1. The shafts of Ashokan pillars are always plain and smooth, and they taper upwards.
This statement is correct. The shafts of Ashokan pillars are indeed plain, smooth, circular in cross-section, and slightly taper upwards.

2. The capitals of Ashokan pillars are shaped like a gently arched bell formed of lotus petals.
This statement is also correct. The capitals of these pillars have a distinct shape that resembles a gently arched bell made of lotus petals.

3. The crowning animals on Ashokan pillars are always seated and chiselled as a single piece with the abaci.
This statement is incorrect. While the crowning animals are indeed chiselled as a single piece with the abaci, they can be either seated or standing.

Hence, the correct answer is Option B

Answer: b. Ashoka
Explanation: Ashoka, the Mauryan Emperor, started the tradition of stone architecture and commissioned the famous Ashokan Pillars across his empire.

Statement-I correctly highlights the significance of the Ashokan period in initiating the Buddhist School of architecture in India, leading to the construction of various architectural marvels like rock-cut caves, pillars, stupas, and palaces. This statement accurately captures a pivotal moment in Indian architectural history during Ashoka's reign.
Statement-II accurately describes the Sarnath pillar, a renowned sculpture from the Ashokan period, erected in 250 BC. It features four lions seated back to back, symbolizing power, courage, confidence, and pride. This statement provides specific details about a key artistic representation from that era.
The correct answer is (a) because both statements are factually correct, with Statement-II complementing and explaining the architectural significance emphasized in Statement-I.

Answer: b. Steatite
Explanation: The Pasupati Seal, along with other artifacts from the Harappan era, was primarily made from steatite, a type of soft stone.

1. Sudama and Lomus Rishi cave: Barabar Hills - Correct. These caves are located in the Barabar Hills near Gaya in Bihar and are notable examples of early rock-cut architecture from the Mauryan period.

2. Northern Black Polished Ware: Mauryan Period - Correct. This type of pottery is indeed associated with the Mauryan period and was known for its fine craftsmanship and distinctive luster.

3. Hathigumpha Inscription: Udayagiri Caves - Correct. The Hathigumpha Inscription is carved in Brahmi script on the Udayagiri Caves in Odisha and is attributed to King Kharavela.

4. Yakshini holding a chauri: Mathura - Incorrect. The well-known statue of Yakshini holding a chauri (flywhisk) is from Didargunj near Patna, not Mathura. Mathura is known for its own significant contributions to the art of the period, but this specific Yakshini sculpture is not from there.

Thus, three out of the four pairs are correctly matched.

Answer: a. Gandhara School of Art
Explanation: The Gandhara School of Art, located in the region extending from Punjab to Afghanistan, applied Greek artistic techniques to depict Buddhist subjects, resulting in a unique fusion of styles.

1. The cities followed a gridiron pattern with roads intersecting at exact right angles: This statement is correct. The Harappan civilization is well known for its extensive town planning, which included a gridiron pattern layout for the cities with roads intersecting at exact right angles, a feature that indicates advanced urban planning.

2. The buildings in Harappa were primarily decorative rather than functional: This statement is incorrect. The buildings in the lower area of Harappa were mainly functional rather than decorative. This is evident from the utilitarian nature of the structures, which were built for practical purposes.

3. The Great Bath at Mohenjo-daro had galleries and rooms on all sides: This statement is correct. The Great Bath is one of the most impressive structures of the Harappan civilization, featuring galleries and rooms on all sides, indicating its significance and the advanced architectural techniques of the time.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: 1 and 3 Only.

1. Mauryan Emperor — Chandragupta Maurya: Correct. Chandragupta Maurya was the founder of the Mauryan Empire.

2. Harappan Sculpture — Dancing Girl: Correct. The "Dancing Girl" is a famous bronze sculpture from the Harappan Civilization.

3. Ashokan Pillar — Red Sandstone: Incorrect. The Ashokan Pillars were primarily made from buff-colored sandstone from Chunar and Mathura.

4. Terracotta Art — Indus Valley Civilization: Correct. The Indus Valley Civilization is known for its terracotta figurines and pottery.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

Statement 1 is correct. The Mathura School of Art did indeed flourish between the 1st and 3rd centuries A.D. and was promoted by the Kushan dynasty. This school is noted for its transformation of Buddhist symbols into human form and the use of spotted red sandstone.

Statement 2 is correct. The Gandhara School of Art is often referred to as the Graeco-Buddhist School of Art because it applied Greek artistic techniques to Buddhist subjects, creating a unique fusion of styles.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The Amravati School of Art is known for its intricate carvings and use of white marble, not Greystone. The primary material used was limestone, and it was distinct from the Gandhara School, which used Greystone.

Thus, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.

1. Ashoka Pillar, Sarnath: Correctly matched. The Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath, featuring the four lions, is indeed the basis for the National Emblem of India.

2. Ashoka Pillar, Allahabad: Correctly matched. The Allahabad Pillar contains inscriptions from various rulers, including the famous inscriptions of Samudragupta from the Gupta period.

3. Bharhut Stupa: Correctly matched. The Bharhut Stupa is known for its numerous friezes depicting Jataka tales, or stories of the Buddha's previous lives.

4. Amaravati Stupa: Correctly matched. Initially built as a Hinayana shrine, the Amaravati Stupa was later transformed into a Mahayana shrine.

Thus, the correctly matched pairs are 1, 2, and 3.

Explanation:

• The Sarnath Pillar is famous for its Lion Capital, which has been adopted as the National Emblem of India.
• The Allahabad Pillar includes inscriptions from different periods, most notably those of the Gupta emperor Samudragupta.
• The Bharhut Stupa is renowned for its detailed carvings and numerous Jataka tales.
• The Amaravati Stupa was transformed from a Hinayana shrine to a Mahayana shrine, illustrating the evolution of Buddhist architecture and iconography.

All four pairs are correctly matched; hence, Option D is the correct answer.

Statement 1: The statement is correct. During the early Mauryan period, timber was primarily used in architecture, with rocks and stones being less commonly employed. This is evidenced by the wooden fort constructed by Chandragupta Maurya.

Statement 2: The statement is correct. Ashoka marked the beginning of the extensive use of stone in architecture. His reign saw the construction of numerous rock-cut caves, pillars, stupas, and palaces, signifying a significant shift from timber to stone.

Statement 3: The statement is correct. The Ashokan rock-edict at Dhauli, near Bhubaneshwar, indeed features a sculpted elephant and is considered the earliest rock-cut sculpture in India, symbolizing Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism following his victory in Kalinga.

Therefore, all the statements are correct, and the correct answer is Option D

Answer: c. Harappan Civilization
Explanation: The Harappan Civilization is renowned for its advanced town planning, evidenced by grid layouts of cities, fortifications, and sophisticated drainage systems.

1. The Great Granary at Harappa - Extensive town planning
Correct. The Great Granary at Harappa is part of the extensive town planning characteristic of the Indus Valley Civilization, featuring strategic air ducts and platforms.

2. The Great Bath at Mohenjo-Daro - Fortifications and drainage systems
Incorrect. The Great Bath at Mohenjo-Daro is notable for its impressive size and construction, but it is not specifically related to fortifications and drainage systems. The drainage system is a separate characteristic of the city's town planning, not specifically the Great Bath.

3. Harappan houses - Built of baked bricks
Correct. Harappan houses were indeed built of baked bricks, showcasing the advanced construction techniques of the civilization.

4. Granary complex at Mohenjo-Daro - Air ducts and platforms
Correct. The granary complex at Mohenjo-Daro was intelligently constructed with strategic air ducts and platforms, demonstrating advanced architectural planning.

Thus, three pairs are correctly matched.

Both statements are factually accurate. Statement-I describes the construction material and dimensions of the Ashokan pillars, while Statement-II elaborates on the specific details of the Sarnath pillar, highlighting its symbolic significance and national importance. The lions depicted on the Sarnath pillar indeed represent various attributes. Thus, both statements are correct, and Statement-II provides additional context to Statement-I, explaining the symbolic elements associated with the Sarnath pillar.