Correct Option
The correct option is 2 only
Explanation
The Didarganj Yakshini is one of the finest examples of Mauryan sculptural art (c. 3rd century BCE). Discovered at Didarganj near Patna, it is celebrated for its sophisticated form and the characteristic "Mauryan polish" found on Chunar sandstone.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Didarganj Yakshini is a tall, well-proportioned, free-standing sculpture. It is carved out of a single piece of Chunar sandstone and exhibits the mirror-like shine known as the Mauryan polish, a hallmark of sculptures from this period.
- Statement 2 is Correct: The iconography of the sculpture is specific. The figure holds a chauri (fly-whisk) in her right hand, which is draped over her shoulder. It is the left hand that is broken, not the right.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Unlike earlier archaic Yaksha figures (such as the Parkham Yaksha) which were often flat at the back, the Didarganj Yakshini is a sculpture in the round. The back is fully carved and detailed, showing the arrangement of hair and the drapery of the garment.
Key Takeaway
Key Takeaway: The Didarganj Yakshini represents the zenith of Mauryan sculptural sophistication, characterized by Chunar sandstone, Mauryan polish, and a realistic, three-dimensional (round) form, distinct from the flatter, archaic styles of earlier periods.