With reference to the Vijayanagar Period bronzes, consider the following statements: 1. The sculptors of this period strictly avoided creating portrait statues of royals. 2. The portrait statues of Krishnadevaraya and his queens are depicted in prayer mudra. 3. The physical bodies in these sculptures are modelled to appear imposing yet graceful. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is 2 and 3 only. Explanation The art and sculpture of the Vijayanagar period (14th-16th century CE) represent a distinct evolution in South Indian artistic traditions. While building upon the foundations laid by the Cholas and Pandyas, Vijayanagar artists introduced new stylistic elements, including a greater emphasis on portraiture and a shift in the physical modelling of figures. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect: The sculptors of the Vijayanagar period did not avoid portrait statues; in fact, they actively produced them. This period is noted for the introduction and popularization of life-size portrait sculptures of royals, often placed within temple precincts to signify their devotion to the deity. - Statement 2 is Correct: The most celebrated examples of Vijayanagar portraiture are the life-size copper statues of King Krishnadevaraya and his two queens, Tirumalamba and Chinnadevi. These statues are located at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati. They are depicted standing with their hands folded in the anjali mudra (gesture of prayer/devotion), facing the deity. - Statement 3 is Correct: Stylistically, Vijayanagar sculptures differ from the earlier, more slender Chola bronzes. The physical bodies in Vijayanagar art are modelled to appear more imposing, robust, and fuller. Despite this heavier modelling, the figures retain a sense of grace and movement, characterized by elaborate ornamentation and detailed facial features. Key Takeaway: The Vijayanagar period marked a departure from the strict idealization of earlier South Indian art by incorporating royal portraiture in temples and adopting a more robust, imposing style of physical modelling.

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

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With reference to the Vijayanagar Period bronzes, consider the following statements:

The sculptors of this period strictly avoided creating portrait statues of royals.
The portrait statues of Krishnadevaraya and his queens are depicted in prayer mudra.
The physical bodies in these sculptures are modelled to appear imposing yet graceful.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1, 2 and 3
B2 and 3 only
C2 only
D1 and 2 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

The art and sculpture of the Vijayanagar period (14th-16th century CE) represent a distinct evolution in South Indian artistic traditions. While building upon the foundations laid by the Cholas and Pandyas, Vijayanagar artists introduced new stylistic elements, including a greater emphasis on portraiture and a shift in the physical modelling of figures.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The sculptors of the Vijayanagar period did not avoid portrait statues; in fact, they actively produced them. This period is noted for the introduction and popularization of life-size portrait sculptures of royals, often placed within temple precincts to signify their devotion to the deity.
Statement 2 is Correct: The most celebrated examples of Vijayanagar portraiture are the life-size copper statues of King Krishnadevaraya and his two queens, Tirumalamba and Chinnadevi. These statues are located at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati. They are depicted standing with their hands folded in the anjali mudra (gesture of prayer/devotion), facing the deity.
Statement 3 is Correct: Stylistically, Vijayanagar sculptures differ from the earlier, more slender Chola bronzes. The physical bodies in Vijayanagar art are modelled to appear more imposing, robust, and fuller. Despite this heavier modelling, the figures retain a sense of grace and movement, characterized by elaborate ornamentation and detailed facial features.

Key Takeaway: The Vijayanagar period marked a departure from the strict idealization of earlier South Indian art by incorporating royal portraiture in temples and adopting a more robust, imposing style of physical modelling.

Your note

More from Chapter 7: Indian Bronze Sculpture

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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?

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Correct Option

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The sculptors of the Vijayanagar period did not avoid portrait statues; in fact, they actively produced them. This period is noted for the introduction and popularization of life-size portrait sculptures of royals, often placed within temple precincts to signify their devotion to the deity.
Statement 2 is Correct: The most celebrated examples of Vijayanagar portraiture are the life-size copper statues of King Krishnadevaraya and his two queens, Tirumalamba and Chinnadevi. These statues are located at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati. They are depicted standing with their hands folded in the anjali mudra (gesture of prayer/devotion), facing the deity.
Statement 3 is Correct: Stylistically, Vijayanagar sculptures differ from the earlier, more slender Chola bronzes. The physical bodies in Vijayanagar art are modelled to appear more imposing, robust, and fuller. Despite this heavier modelling, the figures retain a sense of grace and movement, characterized by elaborate ornamentation and detailed facial features.