Consider the following statements regarding the bronze image of Tara from the Pala school: 1. She is depicted seated on a throne. 2. The figure is devoid of any floral motifs. 3. Her right hand is in the varada mudra. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is 1 and 3 only. Explanation The Pala School of Art (8th-12th century CE) flourished in Bengal and Bihar. It is renowned for its mastery of bronze casting using the cire-perdue (lost-wax) technique. These sculptures, often depicting Buddhist deities like Tara and Avalokiteshvara, are characterized by technical perfection, intricate ornamentation, and stylistic influences derived from the Gupta period. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct. The famous bronze image of Tara from the Pala school (specifically found at Kurkihar) is depicted seated on a high double-lotus throne. The posture is elegant, reflecting the sculptural maturity of the period. - Statement 2 is Incorrect. The figure is not devoid of floral motifs. In Pala iconography, Tara is closely associated with the lotus. In this specific image, she holds a lotus stalk in her left hand, and the throne or halo often incorporates floral or scroll-like designs. Pala bronzes are generally known for their rich ornamentation rather than austerity. - Statement 3 is Correct. Her right hand is depicted in the Varada Mudra, which is the gesture of charity or boon-granting. This is a standard iconographic feature for the deity Tara in this school. Key Takeaway Pala bronzes are distinguished by their intricate details, the use of the lost-wax technique, and the synthesis of classical Gupta elegance with regional stylistic elaborations, such as high thrones and heavy ornamentation.

Consider the following statements regarding the bronze image of Tara from… - NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture MCQ

NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture — Chapter 7: Indian Bronze Sculpture

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Consider the following statements regarding the bronze image of Tara from the Pala school:

She is depicted seated on a throne.
The figure is devoid of any floral motifs.
Her right hand is in the varada mudra.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT An Introduction to Indian Art · Page 5

Options

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

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

The Pala School of Art (8th-12th century CE) flourished in Bengal and Bihar. It is renowned for its mastery of bronze casting using the cire-perdue (lost-wax) technique. These sculptures, often depicting Buddhist deities like Tara and Avalokiteshvara, are characterized by technical perfection, intricate ornamentation, and stylistic influences derived from the Gupta period.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct. The famous bronze image of Tara from the Pala school (specifically found at Kurkihar) is depicted seated on a high double-lotus throne. The posture is elegant, reflecting the sculptural maturity of the period.
Statement 2 is Incorrect. The figure is not devoid of floral motifs. In Pala iconography, Tara is closely associated with the lotus. In this specific image, she holds a lotus stalk in her left hand, and the throne or halo often incorporates floral or scroll-like designs. Pala bronzes are generally known for their rich ornamentation rather than austerity.
Statement 3 is Correct. Her right hand is depicted in the Varada Mudra, which is the gesture of charity or boon-granting. This is a standard iconographic feature for the deity Tara in this school.

Key Takeaway

Pala bronzes are distinguished by their intricate details, the use of the lost-wax technique, and the synthesis of classical Gupta elegance with regional stylistic elaborations, such as high thrones and heavy ornamentation.

Your note

More from Chapter 7: Indian Bronze Sculpture

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below: List I | List II A. Himachal Pradesh | 1. Dynamic Mahishasuramardini images B. Thanjavur | 2. Revival of Gupta classical style C. Nalanda | 3. Life-size portrait statues D. Tirupati | 4. Wide range of Shiva iconography

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With reference to the Vijayanagar Period bronzes, consider the following statements: 1. The sculptors of this period strictly avoided creating portrait statues of royals. 2. The portrait statues of Krishnadevaraya and his queens are depicted in prayer mudra. 3. The physical bodies in these sculptures are modelled to appear imposing yet graceful. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The celebrated bronze portrait sculpture of Krishnadevaraya with his queens is located at:

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The Vakataka period bronze images of the Buddha found at Phophnar demonstrate the stylistic influence of:

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With reference to the history of bronze sculpture in India, consider the following statements: 1. The ‘Dancing Girl’ sculpture dates to the Mauryan period. 2. The ‘lost-wax’ process was known to Indian sculptors as early as the Indus Valley Culture. 3. Bronze casting was exclusively used for creating ritual icons and was never utilised for daily use articles like utensils. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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