The correct option is The faces are depicted in full round with pronounced cheeks..
Explanation
Mauryan art represents a significant transition from wood to stone in Indian artistic tradition. The monumental sculptures of Yakshas and Yakshinis are among the finest examples of Mauryan plastic art, characterized by their monumental scale, realistic modeling, and the distinctive "Mauryan polish."
Statement-wise Analysis
- The faces are depicted in full round with pronounced cheeks. is Correct. The Yaksha and Yakshini figures, such as the Didarganj Yakshini, are characterized by round, fleshy faces with pronounced cheeks and full lips. The modeling is volumetric and executed in full round (sculpted on all sides), giving the figures a distinct physical presence and weight.
- They are always depicted in a seated posture. is Incorrect. These figures are not restricted to a seated posture. Most famous examples, including the Didarganj Yakshini and the Parkham Yaksha, are depicted in a standing posture.
- The depiction of faces is flat with no physiognomic detail. is Incorrect. The faces are not flat; rather, they exhibit careful physiognomic detailing. The artists paid attention to anatomical features, distinct facial expressions, and ornamentation, distinguishing them from earlier, more archaic styles.
- They are made of terracotta and lack surface polish. is Incorrect. While terracotta figurines existed as folk art, the monumental Yaksha and Yakshini figures discussed in the context of Mauryan court art are typically carved from sandstone (often Chunar sandstone). A hallmark of these sculptures is the mirror-like Mauryan polish found on their surfaces, contrasting with the unpolished texture of terracotta.
Key Takeaway: Mauryan stone sculptures, particularly Yaksha and Yakshini figures, are distinguished by their volumetric modeling, round faces with pronounced cheeks, and the lustrous Mauryan polish.