Sculptures and Carvings of Ancient India

Description: This quiz is designed to test your knowledge about the sculptures and carvings of ancient India. It covers various aspects such as the materials used, the techniques employed, and the historical significance of these artworks.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: indian art sculpture carving ancient india
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Which of the following materials was commonly used for creating sculptures in ancient India?

  1. Marble

  2. Bronze

  3. Sandstone

  4. Ivory


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Sandstone was a widely used material for sculptures in ancient India due to its abundance and ease of carving.

The technique of carving intricate designs on hard stones, such as jade and agate, is known as:

  1. Repousse

  2. Filigree

  3. Intaglio

  4. Cloisonné


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Intaglio is the technique of carving designs into hard stones, creating recessed areas that hold ink or pigment.

The famous monolithic sculpture of Gomateshwara Bahubali at Shravanabelagola, Karnataka, is carved out of a single block of:

  1. Granite

  2. Limestone

  3. Basalt

  4. Marble


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Gomateshwara statue is carved out of a single block of granite, which is known for its strength and durability.

The Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra are renowned for their exquisite:

  1. Sculptures

  2. Paintings

  3. Mosaics

  4. Reliefs


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Ajanta Caves are famous for their intricate and well-preserved paintings, which depict various scenes from Buddhist mythology and history.

The iconic stone chariot at the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha is an example of:

  1. Gupta architecture

  2. Chola architecture

  3. Pallava architecture

  4. Kalinga architecture


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Konark Sun Temple is a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture, known for its intricate carvings and sculptures.

The monolithic pillars erected by Emperor Ashoka throughout his empire are known as:

  1. Lathis

  2. Stambhas

  3. Minarets

  4. Obelisks


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Ashoka Stambhas are monolithic pillars that were erected to commemorate Ashoka's victories and to spread his Buddhist teachings.

The colossal statue of Lord Shiva at the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, is made of:

  1. Bronze

  2. Granite

  3. Sandstone

  4. Limestone


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Brihadeeswarar Temple is known for its massive granite sculptures, including the 13-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva.

The intricate carvings on the walls of the Ellora Caves in Maharashtra depict scenes from:

  1. Hindu mythology

  2. Buddhist mythology

  3. Jain mythology

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Ellora Caves contain sculptures and carvings from various religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.

The technique of creating metal sculptures by pouring molten metal into a mold is known as:

  1. Repousse

  2. Filigree

  3. Casting

  4. Cloisonné


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Casting is the process of pouring molten metal into a mold to create a sculpture.

The famous bronze statue of Nataraja, the dancing form of Lord Shiva, is a masterpiece of:

  1. Chola art

  2. Pallava art

  3. Gupta art

  4. Kalinga art


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Nataraja statue is a renowned example of Chola art, known for its intricate details and dynamic composition.

The monolithic sculptures at Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, were carved during the reign of:

  1. Narasimhavarman I

  2. Rajasimha

  3. Mahendravarman I

  4. Narasimhavarman II


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Narasimhavarman I, also known as Mamalla, is credited with commissioning the monolithic sculptures at Mahabalipuram.

The intricately carved ivory panels from the ancient city of Pataliputra are examples of:

  1. Gupta art

  2. Maurya art

  3. Shunga art

  4. Kushan art


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The ivory panels from Pataliputra are significant examples of Maurya art, known for their fine craftsmanship and attention to detail.

The technique of creating sculptures by hammering thin sheets of metal is known as:

  1. Repousse

  2. Filigree

  3. Casting

  4. Cloisonné


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Repousse is the technique of hammering thin sheets of metal to create raised designs or sculptures.

The famous stone sculptures of the Gandhara region, which combine Greek and Indian artistic influences, are known as:

  1. Gandharan art

  2. Mathura art

  3. Amaravati art

  4. Sarnath art


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Gandharan art is known for its unique blend of Greek and Indian artistic styles, resulting in distinctive sculptures and reliefs.

The ancient Indian sculptures often depicted:

  1. Gods and goddesses

  2. Historical figures

  3. Animals and plants

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Ancient Indian sculptures encompassed a wide range of subjects, including gods and goddesses, historical figures, animals, plants, and scenes from everyday life.

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