Correct Option
The correct option is 1 and 3 only.
[as per provisional answerkey]Explanation
The Amaravati Stupa, located in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh, represents the pinnacle of the Andhra school of art. It was developed under the patronage of the Satavahanas and later the Ikshvaku rulers between the 2nd century BCE and the 3rd century CE.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The Amaravati Stupa is situated on the banks of the Krishna River in the lower Krishna valley. This region was a major center for Buddhism in South India, housing other significant sites like Nagarjunakonda and Jaggayyapeta.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Amaravati Stupa was the largest stupa in India during its prime, surpassing the Sanchi Stupa in dimensions. While the Sanchi Stupa (Stupa No. 1) has a diameter of approximately 36 meters, the Amaravati Stupa had a diameter of about 50 meters and a height of nearly 30 meters.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The Amaravati school of sculpture, characterized by the use of white marble-like limestone and dynamic "narrative" art, significantly influenced the Pallava and Chola traditions of South India. Furthermore, the spread of Theravada Buddhism led to the export of Amaravati-style Buddha images and architectural motifs to Sri Lanka (Anuradhapura) and various regions of South-east Asia, including Thailand and Indonesia.
Key Takeaway
The Amaravati Stupa was the largest Buddhist monument in ancient India, distinguished by its unique white limestone reliefs and its profound influence on the artistic traditions of South-east Asia and later South Indian dynasties.