CAPF 2018

Pallava Rock-cut Art

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Depiction of the descent of the river Ganga from heaven in the form of relief sculpture on rock is at

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept Mahabalipuram is home to some of the world's most magnificent open-air bas-reliefs, where entire mythological narratives are carved onto massive granite boulders.

Explanation The 'Descent of the Ganga' (also known as Arjuna's Penance) is a colossal relief at Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu. It depicts the sacred river descending from the heavens through Shiva's hair, flanked by life-sized animals, gods, and ascetics. This Pallava masterpiece measures roughly 27m by 9m.

Logical Breakup

Logic 1: The site is unique for its use of a natural fissure in the rock to represent the actual river Ganga during the monsoon rains.

Logic 2: While Ellora has grand sculptures, the specific 'Descent of Ganga' in this massive open-air relief format is the defining characteristic of Mahabalipuram.

Active Recall

Question

What is the alternative interpretation of this relief?

Answer

Some scholars identify it as 'Arjuna's Penance', where the hero Arjuna performs austerities to obtain the Pasupata weapon from Shiva.

Core Insight

The relief illustrates the Pallava artists' ability to integrate natural landscape features into religious storytelling.

Depiction of the descent of the river Ganga from heaven in the form of relief sculpture on rock is at

Solution & Analysis

Active Recall

Core Insight

Practice Navigation