In the context of early Buddhist art, which of the following narrative modes were used in the pictorial tradition? 1. Synoptic narrative was strictly avoided in early Buddhist art. 2. Continuous narrative 3. Episodic narrative Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The correct option is 2 and 3 only. Explanation Early Buddhist art, particularly the relief sculptures found at Bharhut, Sanchi, and Amaravati (spanning the Post-Mauryan period), utilized specific visual languages to narrate the Jatakas and the life of the Buddha. Art historians classify these storytelling techniques into distinct narrative modes, including synoptic, continuous, and episodic narratives. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect. Synoptic narrative is a mode where multiple episodes of a story are depicted within a single frame, often without a clear linear sequence or causality, requiring the viewer to unravel the story. This mode was not avoided; it was actively used. For instance, the depiction of the Mahakapi Jataka at Sanchi and the Chaddanta Jataka at Amaravati are classic examples of synoptic narrative in early Buddhist art. - Statement 2 is Correct. Continuous narrative depicts a sequence of events within a single continuous space without dividing frames. The protagonist is often repeated to show movement or the progression of time. This was a common mode in early Buddhist art, widely observed in the reliefs at Sanchi (e.g., the Great Departure). - Statement 3 is Correct. Episodic narrative involves depicting a story through a series of distinct episodes, often separated by borders or architectural elements. This mode was also employed to provide clarity and structure to complex stories in Buddhist reliefs. Key Takeaway: Early Buddhist art did not restrict itself to a single storytelling method; it extensively employed Synoptic, Continuous, and Episodic narrative modes to convey religious teachings effectively.

NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture — Chapter 3: Arts of the Mauryan Period

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In the context of early Buddhist art, which of the following narrative modes were used in the pictorial tradition?

Synoptic narrative was strictly avoided in early Buddhist art.
Continuous narrative
Episodic narrative

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

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

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Early Buddhist art, particularly the relief sculptures found at Bharhut, Sanchi, and Amaravati (spanning the Post-Mauryan period), utilized specific visual languages to narrate the Jatakas and the life of the Buddha. Art historians classify these storytelling techniques into distinct narrative modes, including synoptic, continuous, and episodic narratives.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Synoptic narrative is a mode where multiple episodes of a story are depicted within a single frame, often without a clear linear sequence or causality, requiring the viewer to unravel the story. This mode was not avoided; it was actively used. For instance, the depiction of the Mahakapi Jataka at Sanchi and the Chaddanta Jataka at Amaravati are classic examples of synoptic narrative in early Buddhist art.
Statement 2 is Correct. Continuous narrative depicts a sequence of events within a single continuous space without dividing frames. The protagonist is often repeated to show movement or the progression of time. This was a common mode in early Buddhist art, widely observed in the reliefs at Sanchi (e.g., the Great Departure).
Statement 3 is Correct. Episodic narrative involves depicting a story through a series of distinct episodes, often separated by borders or architectural elements. This mode was also employed to provide clarity and structure to complex stories in Buddhist reliefs.

Key Takeaway:
Early Buddhist art did not restrict itself to a single storytelling method; it extensively employed Synoptic, Continuous, and Episodic narrative modes to convey religious teachings effectively.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Arts of the Mauryan Period

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below: List I | List II A. Pitalkhora | 1. Great Stupa B. Kondane | 2. Stupa of 3rd century BCE C. Bairat | 3. Inscription of disciple Balaka D. Sanchi | 4. Inscription of artisan Kanha

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What was the crowning element originally placed atop the lions of the Sarnath Capital?

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In the aniconic phase of Buddhist art, the presence of the Buddha was often symbolised by:

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Which one of the following statements correctly reflects the stance of early Buddhism and Jainism towards the social order?

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The construction of stupas and monuments during the Mauryan and post-Mauryan periods was primarily:

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Solution

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Synoptic narrative is a mode where multiple episodes of a story are depicted within a single frame, often without a clear linear sequence or causality, requiring the viewer to unravel the story. This mode was not avoided; it was actively used. For instance, the depiction of the Mahakapi Jataka at Sanchi and the Chaddanta Jataka at Amaravati are classic examples of synoptic narrative in early Buddhist art.
Statement 2 is Correct. Continuous narrative depicts a sequence of events within a single continuous space without dividing frames. The protagonist is often repeated to show movement or the progression of time. This was a common mode in early Buddhist art, widely observed in the reliefs at Sanchi (e.g., the Great Departure).
Statement 3 is Correct. Episodic narrative involves depicting a story through a series of distinct episodes, often separated by borders or architectural elements. This mode was also employed to provide clarity and structure to complex stories in Buddhist reliefs.