Consider the following statements regarding the Pala School of bronze casting: 1. The Pala school of bronze casting emerged only in the 12th century. 2. Sculptors at Kurkihar revived the classical style of the Gupta period. 3. The school produced images of female deities like Tara. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 2 and 3 only Explanation The Pala School of art flourished in the regions of Bengal and Bihar between the 8th and 12th centuries CE. It developed under the patronage of the Pala dynasty and is particularly renowned for its mastery in bronze casting and stone sculpture. This school represents an important phase in the development of Eastern Indian art, heavily influenced by Vajrayana Buddhism. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Pala School of bronze casting did not emerge in the 12th century; rather, it flourished from the 8th to the 12th century CE. The 12th century marked the later phase of this school, shortly before the collapse of the Pala dynasty and the subsequent Islamic invasions. - Statement 2 is Correct. Kurkihar (near Gaya) was a prominent center of bronze casting during the Pala period. The sculptors at Kurkihar are noted for reviving the classical style of the Gupta period. Their works are characterized by elegant proportions, soft modeling, and a refined aesthetic that echoes the earlier Gupta idiom while incorporating distinct regional features. - Statement 3 is Correct. The Pala rulers were patrons of Buddhism, specifically the Vajrayana sect. Consequently, the school produced numerous images of Buddhist deities. Tara, a central female deity in the Vajrayana pantheon, was a very popular subject for bronze and stone sculptures during this period. Key Takeaway Key Takeaway: The Pala School (8th-12th century) is famous for its "Ashtadhatu" bronze images centered at Nalanda and Kurkihar, characterized by the influence of Vajrayana Buddhism and a stylistic continuity with the classical Gupta tradition.

Consider the following statements regarding the Pala… - NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture MCQ

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

mcqeasy

Consider the following statements regarding the Pala School of bronze casting:

The Pala school of bronze casting emerged only in the 12th century.
Sculptors at Kurkihar revived the classical style of the Gupta period.
The school produced images of female deities like Tara.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT An Introduction to Indian Art · Page 5

Options

A2 and 3 only
B2 only
C1 and 2 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 2 and 3 only

Explanation

The Pala School of art flourished in the regions of Bengal and Bihar between the 8th and 12th centuries CE. It developed under the patronage of the Pala dynasty and is particularly renowned for its mastery in bronze casting and stone sculpture. This school represents an important phase in the development of Eastern Indian art, heavily influenced by Vajrayana Buddhism.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Pala School of bronze casting did not emerge in the 12th century; rather, it flourished from the 8th to the 12th century CE. The 12th century marked the later phase of this school, shortly before the collapse of the Pala dynasty and the subsequent Islamic invasions.
Statement 2 is Correct. Kurkihar (near Gaya) was a prominent center of bronze casting during the Pala period. The sculptors at Kurkihar are noted for reviving the classical style of the Gupta period. Their works are characterized by elegant proportions, soft modeling, and a refined aesthetic that echoes the earlier Gupta idiom while incorporating distinct regional features.
Statement 3 is Correct. The Pala rulers were patrons of Buddhism, specifically the Vajrayana sect. Consequently, the school produced numerous images of Buddhist deities. Tara, a central female deity in the Vajrayana pantheon, was a very popular subject for bronze and stone sculptures during this period.

Key Takeaway

Key Takeaway: The Pala School (8th-12th century) is famous for its "Ashtadhatu" bronze images centered at Nalanda and Kurkihar, characterized by the influence of Vajrayana Buddhism and a stylistic continuity with the classical Gupta tradition.

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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