UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 9
Which of the following statements on the Amaravati Stupa and its relief sculpture is/are correct?
- It was located in the lower Krishna valley.
- In India, it was next only to the Sanchi Stupa in size.
- The Amaravati school of sculpture made a lasting impact on the later South Indian sculpture, and its products were carried to Sri Lanka and South-east Asia.
Select the answer using the code given below :
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct Option: B
Explanation: Amaravati flourished in the lower Krishna region and its narrative reliefs influenced Buddhist and later South Asian artistic traditions.
Statement-wise Analysis:
Statement 1: Correct - The Amaravati stupa site is in the lower Krishna River valley of Andhra Pradesh.
Statement 2: Incorrect - Its relative size cannot accurately be described as simply second only to Sanchi among Indian stupas.
Statement 3: Correct - The Amaravati sculptural tradition influenced South Indian art and circulated to Sri Lanka and South-East Asia.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - Omits supported item(s) 3.
B: Correct - This option includes the supported item(s) and excludes the unsupported ones.
C: Incorrect - Includes unsupported item(s) 2 and omits supported item(s) 1.
D: Incorrect - Includes unsupported item(s) 2.
Review note: Check the comparative stupa-size claim against archaeological measurements, which vary by reconstruction.