The correct option is
1 only
Explanation
The Bagh Caves, located in Madhya Pradesh and dating to the Gupta period (5th-6th century AD), are renowned for their mural paintings. These paintings are stylistically and technically similar to those at Ajanta, representing the peak of Indian rock-cut architecture and painting.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: The ground for the paintings at Bagh was prepared using a thick mud plaster. Specifically, it consisted of reddish-brown gritty mud (ferruginous earth) mixed with vegetable fibers and paddy husk to ensure binding with the rock surface.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Lime-priming was not avoided. After the application of the mud plaster, the surface was coated with a thin layer of lime-wash (priming) to create a smooth, white surface suitable for painting. This provided the necessary background for the colors to stand out.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: The paintings were not executed in the true fresco (fresco-buono) technique. True fresco involves painting on wet lime plaster so that pigments bind chemically with the wall. The paintings at Bagh (and Ajanta) were executed using the Tempera or Fresco-secco technique, where pigments mixed with binding agents (like glue or gum) were applied onto a dry surface.
Key Takeaway:
Indian mural paintings at Bagh and Ajanta utilize the Tempera (Fresco-secco) technique on a prepared base of mud plaster and lime wash, distinct from the European True Fresco method.