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How will you explain that medieval Indian temple sculptures represent the social life of those days?

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CSE 2022 (Prelims) CSAT Previous Year Paper (05-June-2022)

Medieval Indian temple sculptures are far more than mere religious depictions; they are vibrant chronicles of the society that created them. Beyond the central deities, the temple walls and pillars teem with scenes of everyday life, offering us a window into the past.

For instance, sculptures at Khajuraho, Konark, and the Hoysala temples in Karnataka showcase a wide spectrum of society. We see depictions of royal courts, military processions with soldiers and cavalry, and agricultural activities. Dancers and musicians are sculpted in dynamic poses, revealing the importance of performing arts. Common people are shown in various attuos—women carrying water pots, merchants in the marketplace, and teachers with their pupils.

These carvings detail the clothing, hairstyles, and ornaments of the era, differentiating between royalty and common folk. Essentially, the temple, being the center of community life, mirrored that very life on its walls, making its sculptures an invaluable source for understanding the social fabric of medieval India.

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Sarvesh Jha

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Important Questions from GS1

  1. Underline the changes in the field of society and economy from the Rig Vedic to the later Vedic period. 

  2. Estimate the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi for the development of art and literature of South India. 

  3. How far is it correct to say that the First World War was fought essentially for the preservation of the balance of power?

  4. How far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India?

  5. The groundwater potential of the Gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India?

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