With reference to the Vijayanagara murals, consider the following statements: 1. The paintings at Tiruparakunram represent the early phase of the Vijayanagara style. 2. The ceiling paintings at Virupaksha temple are devoid of any narrative scenes. 3. The stylistic convention involves showing figures and objects three-dimensionally in rectilinear compartments. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 1 only Explanation The Vijayanagara school of painting (14th-16th centuries) evolved from the Chola and Pandya traditions. These murals are found on the walls and ceilings of temples in South India and are known for their distinct linear style, profile figures, and elaborate narrative compositions. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: The paintings at Tiruparakunram (dating to the 14th century) represent the early phase of the Vijayanagara style. These early works set the foundation for the mature style seen later in Hampi and Lepakshi. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: The ceiling paintings at the Virupaksha temple (Hampi) are famous for their rich narrative scenes. They depict episodes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, as well as dynastic history, such as the procession of Sage Vidyaranya. They are not devoid of narratives. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: While the stylistic convention involves dividing the composition into rectilinear compartments (panels) to avoid overcrowding, the figures and objects are represented two-dimensionally (flat). The style is characterized by lines, profile views, and flat colors, rather than three-dimensional modeling or shading. Key Takeaway Vijayanagara murals are characterized by flat, two-dimensional figures (usually in profile with large eyes) arranged in rectilinear panels. Major sites include Hampi (Virupaksha temple) and Lepakshi (Veerabhadra temple).

NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture — Chapter 5: Later Mural Traditions

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With reference to the Vijayanagara murals, consider the following statements:

The paintings at Tiruparakunram represent the early phase of the Vijayanagara style.
The ceiling paintings at Virupaksha temple are devoid of any narrative scenes.
The stylistic convention involves showing figures and objects three-dimensionally in rectilinear compartments.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A2 only
B1, 2 and 3
C1 only
D1 and 3 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

1 only

Explanation

The Vijayanagara school of painting (14th-16th centuries) evolved from the Chola and Pandya traditions. These murals are found on the walls and ceilings of temples in South India and are known for their distinct linear style, profile figures, and elaborate narrative compositions.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: The paintings at Tiruparakunram (dating to the 14th century) represent the early phase of the Vijayanagara style. These early works set the foundation for the mature style seen later in Hampi and Lepakshi.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The ceiling paintings at the Virupaksha temple (Hampi) are famous for their rich narrative scenes. They depict episodes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, as well as dynastic history, such as the procession of Sage Vidyaranya. They are not devoid of narratives.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: While the stylistic convention involves dividing the composition into rectilinear compartments (panels) to avoid overcrowding, the figures and objects are represented two-dimensionally (flat). The style is characterized by lines, profile views, and flat colors, rather than three-dimensional modeling or shading.

Key Takeaway

Vijayanagara murals are characterized by flat, two-dimensional figures (usually in profile with large eyes) arranged in rectilinear panels. Major sites include Hampi (Virupaksha temple) and Lepakshi (Veerabhadra temple).

Your note

More from Chapter 5: Later Mural Traditions

Consider the following statements about the Nayaka paintings at Tiruvarur: 1. There is a panel narrating the story of Muchukunda. 2. The paintings depict scenes from the life of Mahavira. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Which dynasty established its power in the Deccan following the decline of the Vakatakas and is credited with the patronage of the Badami caves?

easy

In the tradition of South Indian mural painting, the term Chaityakari was used to denote which of the following?

easy

The "Tripurantaka" form of Shiva is prominently depicted in the mural paintings of:

medium

The Virbhadra Temple, renowned for its Vijayanagara style mural paintings, is situated in:

easy

Keep practising Chapter 5: Later Mural Traditions

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The correct option is

1 only

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: The paintings at Tiruparakunram (dating to the 14th century) represent the early phase of the Vijayanagara style. These early works set the foundation for the mature style seen later in Hampi and Lepakshi.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The ceiling paintings at the Virupaksha temple (Hampi) are famous for their rich narrative scenes. They depict episodes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, as well as dynastic history, such as the procession of Sage Vidyaranya. They are not devoid of narratives.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: While the stylistic convention involves dividing the composition into rectilinear compartments (panels) to avoid overcrowding, the figures and objects are represented two-dimensionally (flat). The style is characterized by lines, profile views, and flat colors, rather than three-dimensional modeling or shading.