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Question

Read the below statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Mark the correct options:
Assertion (A): The sculptures of the Nalanda School are three-dimensional and delicately ornamented.
Reason (R): The Nalanda sculptural tradition was influenced by Sarnath, local Bihar styles, and central Indian art.

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 Question Paper (25-Sep-2025) (Shift 3)
The correct answer is
Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

Nalanda Sculptures: Characteristics and Influences

This question asks us to evaluate two statements about the Nalanda School of sculpture.

Evaluating Assertion (A)

Assertion (A) states that Nalanda School sculptures are three-dimensional and delicately ornamented.

  • Art historical evidence confirms that Nalanda sculptures are indeed known for their substantial volume (three-dimensional quality) and intricate, fine details (delicate ornamentation).
  • Therefore, Assertion (A) is true.

Evaluating Reason (R)

Reason (R) suggests that the Nalanda sculptural tradition was influenced by Sarnath, local Bihar styles, and central Indian art.

  • Historical and art analyses indicate significant influences on Nalanda art. These include stylistic elements from the Sarnath region, indigenous artistic traditions prevalent in Bihar, and the prevailing artistic trends from central India, particularly during the Gupta period.
  • Therefore, Reason (R) is also true.

Assessing the Explanation

We need to determine if Reason (R) correctly explains Assertion (A).

  • The influences mentioned in Reason (R) – Sarnath, Bihar styles, and central Indian art – were themselves centers or periods known for producing refined, often highly ornamented, and well-defined (three-dimensional) sculptures.
  • These external and regional stylistic inputs directly contributed to the development and characteristics of the Nalanda sculptural style described in Assertion (A). The interaction with these traditions helped shape the distinctive three-dimensional form and ornate decoration typical of Nalanda art.
  • Thus, Reason (R) provides a valid explanation for Assertion (A).

Both statements are true, and Reason (R) is a correct explanation of Assertion (A).

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Similar Questions

  1. The rock at Dhauli (Orissa) has been sculpted to resemble which animal?

  2. Which of the following sculptures does not originate from the Mathura region's Kushana-period artistic production?

  3. Read the below statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Mark the correct options:
    Assertion (A): Gandhara images frequently feature halo and curly hair.
    Reasoning (R): These elements symbolise Graeco-Roman influence in North-West India.

  4. The life-size standing image of Yakshini holding a chauri (flywhisk) is an example of the sculptural tradition of which period?


Important Questions from Sculpture

  1. The ‘Gandhara School of Art’ was developed under the ________ Dynasty.

  2. Lalit Kala Academy was established by the Government of India to-

  3. Which of the following statements about sculptures at Sanchi is/are correct?

    1. In some sculptures there is representation of Shalabhanjika.

    2. The figure of Shalabhanjika is represented by a woman surrounded by lotuses and elephants.

    3. The Shalabhanjika motif was not directly inspired by Buddhist ideas.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  4. At the Gandhar School of Art, initially, blueshists and green fightlights were used. When did plaster completely replace stone as the main material used by the sculptors of the Gandhara school?
  5. With reference to the 'Male Torso' figurine from the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements:

    1. It was excavated from the site of Mohenjo-Daro.
    2. It is made of red sandstone and possesses drilled sockets for the attachment of other body parts.
    3. Its dynamic posture and naturalistic representation indicate an advanced understanding of human anatomy for its time.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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