Insights Static Quiz -303, 2019–Art and Culture

Solution: d)

Usually made of stone, Toranas mark the entrance to a Buddhist shrine or stupa or to a Hindu temple. Toranas typically consist of two pillars carrying two or three transverse beams that extend beyond the pillars on either side. Strongly similar to wooden construction, toranas are often covered from top to bottom with exquisite sculpture. The four toranas of the Great Stupa at Sanchi are relevant examples.

Solution: c)

Hawa Mahal is a palace in Jaipur.

Jantar Mantar (there are many, but the famous one) is in Delhi.

The Panch Mahal is known as the wind catcher tower. It was commissioned by sikarwar rajputs.

This is an extraordinary structure employing the design elements of a Buddhist Temple; entirely columnar, consisting of four stories of decreasing size arranged asymmetrically upon the ground floor.

Naqqar khana was a drum house from where ceremonial music was played in Mughal palaces.

Solution: c)

Statement 1:  Mahaparinirvana of Buddha on the right aisle wall and the assault of Mara during Buddha’s penance adorns the same wall. The Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha is when he finally achieves release from the mortal world.

Statement 2 and 4:  These are found in Elephanta caves. Described as a “masterpiece of Gupta-Chalukyan art”, the most important sculpture in the Elephanta caves is the Trimurti. The carved panel facing this one is a two-level depiction of Ravana lifting Kailash.

Statement 3:  Seated Buddha in Dharmachakrapravartana mudra is notable sculpture while the notable paintings include Padmapani and Vajrapani.

Solution: b)

Pali: It was widely spoken in Magadha. It was popular during 5th- 1st century BC. It is closely related to Sanskrit, and the texts in Pali were written generally in Brahmi script.

The Tripitaka of Buddhism were also written in Pali. It serves as the lingua franca of Theravada Buddhism. It is believed that Buddha himself did not speak in Pali but gave his preachings in ardha-magadhi language.

Solution: a)

• Emperor Akbar was keenly interested in the art of painting and architecture.
• The Mughal style is marked by supple naturalism based on close observation of nature and fine and delicate drawing. It is of a high aesthetic merit. It is primarily aristocratic and secular.