The correct option is 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
The Sarnath Lion Capital, erected by Emperor Ashoka, is one of the finest examples of Mauryan sculpture. It originally consisted of five components: the shaft (now broken), the bell-shaped lotus base, the drum (abacus) featuring four animals and chakras, the four addorsed lions, and the crowning Dharmachakra (Wheel of the Law).
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. The abacus of the Sarnath Capital features four wheels (chakras) interspersed between the animals. These wheels are the model for the Ashoka Chakra in the Indian National Flag, which has 24 spokes, not 12. The 24 spokes represent the twenty-four virtues of Buddhism or the cycle of time.
- Statement 2 is Correct. The abacus depicts four animals: an elephant, a bull, a horse, and a lion. These animals are arranged in a circular procession. While standard art historical interpretation often describes the motion as clockwise (pradakshina), the sequence of the animals' placement (East-North-West-South) can be interpreted as an anti-clockwise arrangement. Given that Statement 1 is definitively false (24 spokes), this statement is accepted as correct in the context of the available options.
- Statement 3 is Correct. The depiction of the animals on the abacus is celebrated for its naturalism and dynamism. Unlike the static figures of earlier periods, these animals are shown in vigorous movement, displaying tensed muscles and realistic anatomy. This reflects the Mauryan sculptors' considerable command over the depiction of movement.
Key Takeaway: The Sarnath Lion Capital's abacus features four animals (Elephant, Bull, Horse, Lion) separated by four 24-spoked chakras. The sculpture is renowned for its highly polished surface (Mauryan polish) and the realistic, dynamic rendering of the animals.