UPSC CSE Prelims 1993

Indian Bronze Sculpture

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Which one of the following is considered to be the world's greatest iconographical creations made by sthapatis of South India, particularly during the Chola period?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept While Chola artists created many divine forms, one particular icon stands out globally for its mathematical symmetry and philosophical depth.

Explanation Art historians, including Ananda Coomaraswamy, have hailed the Nataraja bronze as a perfect synthesis of art and religion, showcasing the peak of Chola metallurgical skill.

Logical Breakup

Logic 1: The Nataraja icon is celebrated for its dynamic balance and the 'Lost Wax' technique used by Chola sthapatis.

Logic 2: While Mahishasuramardini and Somaskanda are significant, the Nataraja became the global symbol of Indian artistic achievement.

Active Recall

Question

What is the 'Lost Wax' (Cire Perdue) technique?

Answer

It is a process where a wax model is used to create a mold, which is then filled with molten metal, allowing for high detail in solid bronze statues.

Core Insight

The Nataraja is not just a religious idol but a visual representation of the fundamental energy of the universe, which appealed to both theologians and modern physicists.

Which one of the following is considered to be the world's greatest iconographical creations made by sthapatis of South India, particularly during the Chola period?

Solution & Analysis

Active Recall

Core Insight

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