The correct option is (a) 1 and 2 only.
Explanation
The Rampurwa Bull is a celebrated example of Mauryan court art, specifically the animal capitals that surmounted the pillars of Ashoka. These sculptures are significant for their aesthetic quality and technical finesse.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: The sculpture is a masterpiece of Mauryan art, characterized by the distinctive "Mauryan polish," a mirror-like gloss achieved on sandstone. It demonstrates a high degree of naturalism in the depiction of the animal's anatomy.
- Statement 2 is Correct: The capital was originally part of an Ashokan pillar discovered at Rampurwa in the West Champaran district of Bihar. The site yielded two pillars: one surmounted by a lion and the other by this bull.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: The Rampurwa Bull capital is currently preserved and displayed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace) in New Delhi, specifically in the forecourt between the central pillars. It is not housed in the British Museum.
Key Takeaway:
The Rampurwa Bull is a polished sandstone capital from an Ashokan pillar found in Bihar, distinguished by its realistic modeling, and is currently located at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.