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

mcqeasy

The "Kalyanasundara" iconography in Indian art depicts which mythological event?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AThe churning of the ocean
BThe destruction of Tripura
CThe marriage of Shiva and Parvati
DThe birth of Kartikeya

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is The marriage of Shiva and Parvati.

Explanation

Kalyanasundara (literally "Beautiful Marriage") is a specific iconographic theme in Hindu temple art that depicts the celestial wedding ceremony of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is a celebration of the union between Purusha and Prakriti.

Detailed Analysis

Meaning and Iconography: The term is derived from Kalyana (marriage) and Sundara (beautiful). In these sculptures, Shiva is portrayed as the groom (Sundaresvara) taking the right hand of Parvati (the bride) in the Panigrahana (hand-holding) ritual.
Key Features:
- Shiva stands with a gentle, slightly bent posture (tribhanga), often holding Parvati's hand.
- Parvati is depicted as shy, standing to Shiva's right or left depending on the specific textual tradition followed.
- In many depictions (especially South Indian bronzes and sculptures), Lord Vishnu is shown acting as the brother or father giving the bride away, while Lord Brahma is often seated as the officiating priest tending to the sacrificial fire.
Famous Examples: Prominent depictions are found in the Elephanta Caves, Ellora Caves (specifically Cave 21, Rameshwar), and extensively in Chola bronze collections from South India (e.g., Tiruvenkadu).

Why other options are incorrect:

The birth of Kartikeya The birth of Kartikeya: This is typically associated with the Somaskanda iconography (depicting Shiva, Parvati, and baby Skanda) or the literary theme of Kumara-sambhava.
The destruction of Tripura The destruction of Tripura: This event is depicted in the Tripurantaka iconography, where Shiva is shown as a warrior destroying the three cities of the demons.
The churning of the ocean The churning of the ocean: This refers to the Samudra Manthan, primarily involving Vishnu (as Kurma and Mohini), Devas, and Asuras, rather than a specific Shiva-Parvati wedding scene.

Key Takeaway: The Kalyanasundara murti strictly represents the marriage ceremony of Shiva and Parvati, symbolizing the auspicious union of the divine couple.

Your note

More from Chapter 7: Indian Bronze Sculpture

Consider the following statements regarding the Dhanesar Khera bronze Buddha: 1. It belongs to the state of Uttar Pradesh. 2. The drapery is transparent and clings to the body without any folds. 3. It exemplifies the Sarnath style of foldless drapery. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to the Chola bronze Nataraja, consider the following statements: 1. The upper right hand holds the damaru. 2. The upper left hand holds the damaru. 3. The main right hand is in abhaya hasta. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

hard

Consider the following statements regarding the Chaturanana Vishnu images: 1. They have four heads. 2. The additional faces represent Brahma and Shiva. 3. This iconographic form is also found in the art of Kashmir. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

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?

easy

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?