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.