Early Buddhist sculptors did not show Buddha in human form. Through which of the following symbols was Buddha's presence shown by the early sculptors?
- A.Empty Seat and Stupa only
- B.Wheel and Tree only
- C.Wheel, Tree and Stupa only
- D.Empty Seat, Wheel, Tree and Stupa
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is D, Empty Seat, Wheel, Tree and Stupa. In the early sculpture at sites such as Sanchi, Bharhut and Amaravati, the Buddha was not carved as a man; his presence was suggested through symbols, each tied to an event of his life. The empty seat stood for his meditation, the tree (the Bodhi or peepal tree) for his enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, the wheel (dharmachakra) for his first sermon at Sarnath, and the stupa for his mahaparinirvana, or final passing. The Buddha in human form appeared later, around the first century CE, in the Gandhara and Mathura schools under the Kushanas. Option A is wrong because it leaves out the wheel and the tree. Option B is wrong because it leaves out the empty seat and the stupa. Option C is wrong because it leaves out the empty seat. Since all four symbols were used, only option D is complete. Exam tip: empty seat = meditation, tree = enlightenment, wheel = first sermon, stupa = mahaparinirvana.
Practice Questions
View allThe antariya was a garment worn by people during the Mauryan period. It was :
- A.an unstitched length of cloth draped around the body.
- B.a sewn garment consisting of a sleeved tunic.
- C.a head covering used exclusively by women.
- D.made of strips sewn together tied at the waist with a cord
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The antariya was the lower garment of ancient India, a long piece of cotton or fine fabric wrapped around the hips and legs and tucked in, much like the later dhoti.
Read the full explanation →The famous Mughal painting, depicting Jahangir embracing the Safavid king Shah Abbas, was painted by which one of the following Mughal painters?
- A.Abd al-Samad
- B.Abul Hasan
- C.Dasavant
- D.Bishandas
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The allegorical picture of Jahangir embracing Shah Abbas of Persia, painted around 1618 and now in the Freer Gallery in Washington, is the work of Abul Hasan.
Read the full explanation →Consider the following statements about the Ancient Hindu metal images in India : 1. The Chola period is well known for the aesthetic and technical finesse of its metal sculpture. 2. The iconography and style of Chola metal images were similar to those of their stone counterparts. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.Both 1 and 2
- D.Neither 1 nor 2
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Chola bronzes are celebrated for their beauty and casting skill, and they follow the same iconographic rules and style as the stone sculpture of the period.
Read the full explanation →The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple at Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple?
1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines.
2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni.
3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
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Somnath is a Jyotirlinga and Al-Biruni described it, but the present temple was consecrated by President Rajendra Prasad, not S. Radhakrishnan.
Read the full explanation →The world's second tallest statue in sitting pose of Ramanuja was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India at Hyderabad recently. Which one of the following statements correctly represents the teachings of Ramanuja ?
- A.The best means of salvation was devotion.
- B.Vedas are eternal, self-existent and wholly authoritative.
- C.Logical arguments were essential means for the highest bliss.
- D.Salvation was to be obtained through meditation.
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Ramanuja taught that loving devotion (bhakti) to Vishnu and complete surrender (prapatti) are the surest path to liberation.
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