Correct Option
The correct option is 2 only
Explanation
The Nalanda School of Sculpture emerged during the post-Gupta period and flourished under the Pala dynasty in the Magadha region (modern Bihar). It represents a crucial transitional phase in Indian art, bridging the classical Gupta style with the distinct features of the Pala-Sena school.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Nalanda School developed as a synthesis of the Sarnath Gupta idiom and the local artistic traditions of Bihar. The smooth, idealized forms of the Sarnath school were integrated with the emotional vitality and detailed ornamentation characteristic of the local Magadha style.
- Statement 2 is Correct: The sculptures of the Nalanda school are not characterized by a flat, two-dimensional relief. Instead, they are known for their high relief and three-dimensional volume. The figures often stand out prominently from the back slab, and the bronzes for which Nalanda is famous are fully three-dimensional.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Nalanda bronzes were not completely independent of Gupta traditions. They were heavily influenced by the Gupta style, particularly the Sarnath school. The Nalanda style is essentially an evolution of Gupta art, retaining its elegance while introducing more elaborate jewellery and angularity typical of the later Pala period.
Key Takeaway
Key Takeaway: The Nalanda School of Sculpture is a distinct style that evolved from the Gupta Sarnath school, characterized by a synthesis of classical refinement and local stylistic elements, resulting in high-relief stone sculptures and sophisticated bronze casting.