Consider the following statements regarding the Vijayanagar portrait sculptures: 1. These sculptures date back to the 10th century. 2. They combine facial likeness with elements of idealisation. 3. The standing king and queens are depicted in prayer mudra. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 2 and 3 only. Explanation The Vijayanagar School of art and architecture (14th-17th century AD) represents a significant phase in the evolution of the Dravidian style. Beyond temple construction, this period is renowned for its metal work and stone sculpture, specifically the emergence of royal portraiture. - Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Vijayanagar Empire was established in 1336 AD and flourished primarily between the 14th and 16th centuries. The 10th century corresponds to the Chola period in South India. Consequently, Vijayanagar sculptures do not date back to the 10th century. - Statement 2 is Correct: Vijayanagar art exhibits a distinct shift towards portraiture. The sculptures combine facial likeness (capturing specific physical features of the subject) with elements of idealisation (adhering to traditional aesthetic norms regarding body proportions and stance). This synthesis distinguishes them from the purely idealized divine forms of earlier eras. - Statement 3 is Correct: The most prominent examples of this style are the life-size copper statues of King Krishnadevaraya and his consorts, Chinnadevi and Tirumaladevi, located at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. These figures are depicted standing with their hands joined in the Anjali mudra (gesture of prayer), symbolizing eternal devotion to the deity. Key Takeaway: The Vijayanagar period is notable for introducing royal portrait sculptures that depict donors in the Anjali mudra, blending realistic facial portraiture with the idealized physical forms characteristic of Indian art.

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

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Consider the following statements regarding the Vijayanagar portrait sculptures:

These sculptures date back to the 10th century.
They combine facial likeness with elements of idealisation.
The standing king and queens are depicted in prayer mudra.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A2 only
B1 and 2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

The Vijayanagar School of art and architecture (14th-17th century AD) represents a significant phase in the evolution of the Dravidian style. Beyond temple construction, this period is renowned for its metal work and stone sculpture, specifically the emergence of royal portraiture.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Vijayanagar Empire was established in 1336 AD and flourished primarily between the 14th and 16th centuries. The 10th century corresponds to the Chola period in South India. Consequently, Vijayanagar sculptures do not date back to the 10th century.
Statement 2 is Correct: Vijayanagar art exhibits a distinct shift towards portraiture. The sculptures combine facial likeness (capturing specific physical features of the subject) with elements of idealisation (adhering to traditional aesthetic norms regarding body proportions and stance). This synthesis distinguishes them from the purely idealized divine forms of earlier eras.
Statement 3 is Correct: The most prominent examples of this style are the life-size copper statues of King Krishnadevaraya and his consorts, Chinnadevi and Tirumaladevi, located at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. These figures are depicted standing with their hands joined in the Anjali mudra (gesture of prayer), symbolizing eternal devotion to the deity.

Key Takeaway: The Vijayanagar period is notable for introducing royal portrait sculptures that depict donors in the Anjali mudra, blending realistic facial portraiture with the idealized physical forms characteristic of Indian art.

Your note

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Which of the following is a characteristic feature of the Adinath bronze image from Chausa? 1. It features short curly hair similar to other Tirthankaras. 2. It is depicted with long hairlocks dropping to the shoulders. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the Nataraja bronze, consider the following statements: 1. The upper right hand holds the damaru, symbolizing the beat of time. 2. The upper left hand holds a trident. 3. The main left hand is held in abhaya mudra. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Vijayanagar Empire was established in 1336 AD and flourished primarily between the 14th and 16th centuries. The 10th century corresponds to the Chola period in South India. Consequently, Vijayanagar sculptures do not date back to the 10th century.
Statement 2 is Correct: Vijayanagar art exhibits a distinct shift towards portraiture. The sculptures combine facial likeness (capturing specific physical features of the subject) with elements of idealisation (adhering to traditional aesthetic norms regarding body proportions and stance). This synthesis distinguishes them from the purely idealized divine forms of earlier eras.
Statement 3 is Correct: The most prominent examples of this style are the life-size copper statues of King Krishnadevaraya and his consorts, Chinnadevi and Tirumaladevi, located at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. These figures are depicted standing with their hands joined in the Anjali mudra (gesture of prayer), symbolizing eternal devotion to the deity.