With reference to the Vishnudharmottara Purana, consider the following statements regarding the Chitrasutra: 1. It is a text from the 15th century that serves as a sourcebook for Indian art. 2. It discusses pratima lakshana, which refers to the canons of image-making. 3. It covers various aspects of painting including the preparation of surfaces and tools. Which of the statements given above are correct?

The correct option is 2 and 3 only. Explanation The Chitrasutra is a dedicated section within the Vishnudharmottara Purana (Part III) that serves as the primary sourcebook for the techniques, aesthetics, and canons of ancient Indian painting. It provides the theoretical foundation for the mural tradition, such as that seen at Ajanta. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Vishnudharmottara Purana is dated to the Gupta or Post-Gupta period (approximately 5th-7th century CE), not the 15th century. The 15th century corresponds to the medieval period, associated with the rise of miniature painting schools, whereas this text represents the classical ancient tradition. - Statement 2 is Correct. The text outlines the canons of image-making. While Pratima Lakshana specifically refers to the characteristics of iconography (often sculpture), the Chitrasutra applies these rules of proportion (Talamana), stance, and symmetry to figures in paintings. It asserts that the rules of sculpture and painting are closely interlinked. - Statement 3 is Correct. The Chitrasutra is highly technical and covers the entire process of painting. It details the preparation of the ground (wall or cloth), the making of brushes, the mixing of pigments, and the application of colors (Varnalepa) and shading (Vartana). Key Takeaway The Chitrasutra (5th-7th century CE) is the seminal treatise on Indian painting, emphasizing that the art of painting (Chitra) is inseparable from the arts of dance (Nritya) and sculpture (Shilpa).

With reference to the Vishnudharmottara Purana, co... - NCERT Class 12 Art & Culture MCQ

Solution

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

The Chitrasutra is a dedicated section within the Vishnudharmottara Purana (Part III) that serves as the primary sourcebook for the techniques, aesthetics, and canons of ancient Indian painting. It provides the theoretical foundation for the mural tradition, such as that seen at Ajanta.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Vishnudharmottara Purana is dated to the Gupta or Post-Gupta period (approximately 5th-7th century CE), not the 15th century. The 15th century corresponds to the medieval period, associated with the rise of miniature painting schools, whereas this text represents the classical ancient tradition.
Statement 2 is Correct. The text outlines the canons of image-making. While Pratima Lakshana specifically refers to the characteristics of iconography (often sculpture), the Chitrasutra applies these rules of proportion (Talamana), stance, and symmetry to figures in paintings. It asserts that the rules of sculpture and painting are closely interlinked.
Statement 3 is Correct. The Chitrasutra is highly technical and covers the entire process of painting. It details the preparation of the ground (wall or cloth), the making of brushes, the mixing of pigments, and the application of colors (Varnalepa) and shading (Vartana).

Key Takeaway

The Chitrasutra (5th-7th century CE) is the seminal treatise on Indian painting, emphasizing that the art of painting (Chitra) is inseparable from the arts of dance (Nritya) and sculpture (Shilpa).

NCERT Class 12 Art & Culture — Chapter 1: The Manuscript Painting Tradition

Options

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Solution

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Key Takeaway

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More from Chapter 1: The Manuscript Painting Tradition

Keep practising Chapter 1: The Manuscript Painting Tradition