The correct option is 2 and 3 only
Explanation
The Vishnudharmottara Purana is an encyclopedic Sanskrit text, often classified as an Upapurana (supplementary Purana) attached to the Vishnu Purana. It is a critical source for understanding ancient Indian art, iconography, and culture.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. The text is not Buddhist; it is a Hindu (Vaishnava) text. While it covers a vast range of subjects including astronomy, law, and politics, its religious orientation is centered on Lord Vishnu and the principles of Sanatana Dharma.
- Statement 2 is Correct. Historians and scholars generally date the compilation of the Vishnudharmottara Purana to the 5th or 6th century CE. This places it within the Gupta or Post-Gupta period, a time of significant development in Sanskrit literature and the arts.
- Statement 3 is Correct. The third section (Khanda) of the text contains detailed chapters on pratima lakshana (the canons of image-making and iconography) and the Chitrasutra (rules of painting). It provides precise measurements, proportions, and characteristics for depicting various deities, making it a foundational treatise for Indian sculpture and painting.
Key Takeaway:
The Vishnudharmottara Purana is famous for its third section, the Chitrasutra, which is the earliest and most comprehensive treatise on the techniques and theory of ancient Indian painting and iconography.