NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture — Chapter 5: Later Mural Traditions

mcqhard

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below:

List I	List II
A. Protruding lips, half-closed eyes	1. Vijayanagara
B. Elongated eyes protruding off face	2. Badami
C. Profile faces, large frontal eyes	3. Sittanavasal
D. Slim-waisted, less heavy abdomen	4. Nayaka

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AA-3, B-1, C-4, D-2
BA-3, B-2, C-1, D-4
CA-2, B-3, C-4, D-1
DA-2, B-4, C-3, D-1

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct Answer is A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1

Explanation

This question pertains to the distinctive stylistic features of mural paintings from various periods and regions in ancient and medieval India, specifically focusing on the characteristics of human figures depicted in these art forms. Understanding these stylistic elements is crucial for identifying the origin and period of specific artworks.

Statement-wise Analysis

A. Protruding lips, half-closed eyes - Correct
This description accurately characterizes the human figures found in Badami paintings. The murals in the Badami caves, particularly Cave 3, exhibit these features, which are distinct from earlier and later styles.
B. Elongated eyes protruding off face - Correct
This stylistic element is a hallmark of Sittanavasal paintings. The Jain murals at Sittanavasal (Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu) from the Pallava period are known for their unique depiction of eyes, which are elongated and appear to protrude from the face, often extending beyond the facial outline.
C. Profile faces, large frontal eyes - Incorrect
This description does not accurately match Vijayanagara paintings. While Vijayanagara paintings show a continuation of earlier traditions, their stylistic features are more varied. The description "Profile faces, large frontal eyes" is more characteristic of Nayaka paintings, particularly those found in temples like the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, where figures are often depicted in profile with prominent, wide-open eyes.
D. Slim-waisted, less heavy abdomen - Incorrect
This description does not accurately match Nayaka paintings. Nayaka paintings, while having their own distinct features, do not primarily emphasize "slim-waisted, less heavy abdomen" as a defining characteristic. This feature is more commonly associated with Vijayanagara paintings, where figures, especially female deities and dancers, are often depicted with slender waists and less voluminous lower bodies compared to earlier styles.

Therefore, the correct matching is: A-Badami, B-Sittanavasal, C-Nayaka, D-Vijayanagara. The provided option A correctly aligns these.

Key Takeaway

Distinctive facial features and body proportions are key stylistic indicators for identifying the period and regional school of Indian mural paintings.

Your note

More from Chapter 5: Later Mural Traditions

Consider the following statements about the Nayaka paintings at Tiruvarur: 1. There is a panel narrating the story of Muchukunda. 2. The paintings depict scenes from the life of Mahavira. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Which dynasty established its power in the Deccan following the decline of the Vakatakas and is credited with the patronage of the Badami caves?

easy

In the tradition of South Indian mural painting, the term Chaityakari was used to denote which of the following?

easy

The "Tripurantaka" form of Shiva is prominently depicted in the mural paintings of:

medium

The Virbhadra Temple, renowned for its Vijayanagara style mural paintings, is situated in:

easy

Keep practising Chapter 5: Later Mural Traditions

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List I

List II

A. Protruding lips, half-closed eyes

1. Vijayanagara

B. Elongated eyes protruding off face

2. Badami

C. Profile faces, large frontal eyes

3. Sittanavasal

D. Slim-waisted, less heavy abdomen

4. Nayaka

Solution

The correct Answer is A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

A. Protruding lips, half-closed eyes - Correct
This description accurately characterizes the human figures found in Badami paintings. The murals in the Badami caves, particularly Cave 3, exhibit these features, which are distinct from earlier and later styles.
B. Elongated eyes protruding off face - Correct
This stylistic element is a hallmark of Sittanavasal paintings. The Jain murals at Sittanavasal (Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu) from the Pallava period are known for their unique depiction of eyes, which are elongated and appear to protrude from the face, often extending beyond the facial outline.
C. Profile faces, large frontal eyes - Incorrect
This description does not accurately match Vijayanagara paintings. While Vijayanagara paintings show a continuation of earlier traditions, their stylistic features are more varied. The description "Profile faces, large frontal eyes" is more characteristic of Nayaka paintings, particularly those found in temples like the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, where figures are often depicted in profile with prominent, wide-open eyes.
D. Slim-waisted, less heavy abdomen - Incorrect
This description does not accurately match Nayaka paintings. Nayaka paintings, while having their own distinct features, do not primarily emphasize "slim-waisted, less heavy abdomen" as a defining characteristic. This feature is more commonly associated with Vijayanagara paintings, where figures, especially female deities and dancers, are often depicted with slender waists and less voluminous lower bodies compared to earlier styles.

Therefore, the correct matching is: A-Badami, B-Sittanavasal, C-Nayaka, D-Vijayanagara. The provided option A correctly aligns these.

Key Takeaway

Distinctive facial features and body proportions are key stylistic indicators for identifying the period and regional school of Indian mural paintings.