Consider the following statements about the Rampurwa Bull: 1. It is a finely polished stone sculpture. 2. It was part of a Mauryan pillar found in Bihar. 3. It is currently placed in the British Museum, London. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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.

NCERT Class 6 History — Chapter 7: Ashoka, the emperor who gave up war

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Consider the following statements about the Rampurwa Bull:

It is a finely polished stone sculpture.
It was part of a Mauryan pillar found in Bihar.
It is currently placed in the British Museum, London.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

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.

Your note

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The correct option is (a) 1 and 2 only.

Explanation

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.