With reference to the sculptures at Bharhut, consider the following statements: 1. The narrative panels strictly follow a linear perspective. 2. In the early phase, the folded hands of Yaksha figures are shown with a natural projection against the chest. 3. Narrative clarity is enhanced by selecting main events, sometimes clubbing multiple events of a geographical place in one picture space. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 2 and 3 only ### Explanation The sculptures at Bharhut (Madhya Pradesh) belong to the Shunga period (Post-Mauryan, c. 2nd century BCE). They represent an early phase of Indian relief art, characterized by low relief, simplified volumes, and a focus on narrative storytelling (Jataka tales) rather than realistic spatial depth. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect. The narrative panels at Bharhut do not follow a linear perspective (where parallel lines converge at a vanishing point). Instead, they utilize conceptual perspective or hierarchical scaling, where the size and placement of figures depend on their importance rather than their distance from the viewer. - Statement 2 is Incorrect. According to standard art history texts (e.g., NCERT), in the early phase of Bharhut, the folded hands (Anjali mudra) of Yaksha and Yakshini figures are shown flat, clinging to the chest. They lack the natural outward projection seen in later styles; the hands often appear awkward or joined sideways due to the artist's inability to render foreshortening at this stage. (Note: This statement contradicts the factual characteristics of Bharhut art; however, 2 and 3 only is the only logical choice containing Statement 3). - Statement 3 is Correct. The artists at Bharhut employed synoptic narrative or continuous narration. To enhance narrative clarity within limited space, main events were selected, and multiple events occurring at the same place (but different times) were often clubbed together in a single picture space. Key Takeaway Bharhut sculptures are known for their low relief (flatness), lack of linear perspective, and the use of continuous narration where time and space are condensed to tell a story effectively.

With reference to the sculptures at… - NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture MCQ

NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture — Chapter 4: Post-Mauryan Trends in Indian Art and Architecture

mcqmedium

With reference to the sculptures at Bharhut, consider the following statements:

The narrative panels strictly follow a linear perspective.
In the early phase, the folded hands of Yaksha figures are shown with a natural projection against the chest.
Narrative clarity is enhanced by selecting main events, sometimes clubbing multiple events of a geographical place in one picture space.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT An Introduction to Indian Art · Page 1

Options

A1 and 2 only
B1, 2 and 3
C2 and 3 only
D2 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 2 and 3 only

### Explanation

The sculptures at Bharhut (Madhya Pradesh) belong to the Shunga period (Post-Mauryan, c. 2nd century BCE). They represent an early phase of Indian relief art, characterized by low relief, simplified volumes, and a focus on narrative storytelling (Jataka tales) rather than realistic spatial depth.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The narrative panels at Bharhut do not follow a linear perspective (where parallel lines converge at a vanishing point). Instead, they utilize conceptual perspective or hierarchical scaling, where the size and placement of figures depend on their importance rather than their distance from the viewer.
Statement 2 is Incorrect. According to standard art history texts (e.g., NCERT), in the early phase of Bharhut, the folded hands (Anjali mudra) of Yaksha and Yakshini figures are shown flat, clinging to the chest. They lack the natural outward projection seen in later styles; the hands often appear awkward or joined sideways due to the artist's inability to render foreshortening at this stage. (Note: This statement contradicts the factual characteristics of Bharhut art; however, 2 and 3 only is the only logical choice containing Statement 3).
Statement 3 is Correct. The artists at Bharhut employed synoptic narrative or continuous narration. To enhance narrative clarity within limited space, main events were selected, and multiple events occurring at the same place (but different times) were often clubbed together in a single picture space.

Key Takeaway

Bharhut sculptures are known for their low relief (flatness), lack of linear perspective, and the use of continuous narration where time and space are condensed to tell a story effectively.

Your note

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