ART & ARCHITECTURE

Question 1

Why is the Gupta period called the ‘Golden Age’ of Indian art?

Answer 1

The Gupta period is considered the ‘Golden Age’ due to significant advancements in sculpture, painting, architecture, and literature.

Question 2

What was the main inspiration for Gupta art?

Answer 2

Gupta art was largely inspired by religion, especially Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.

Question 3

Name two famous Buddhist sculptures from the Gupta period.

Answer 3

The bronze Buddha of Sultanganj and the stone Buddha from Sarnath.

Question 4

What is unique about the Sarnath Buddha sculpture?

Answer 4

It represents the Gupta style with a serene expression, draped robes, and a smooth, idealized body.

Question 5

Which famous pillar from the Gupta period has not rusted to this day?

Answer 5

The Mehrauli Iron Pillar in Delhi, made during Chandragupta II’s reign.

Question 6

What are the Ajanta Caves known for?

Answer 6

Their detailed fresco paintings depicting the life of Buddha.

Question 7

Where are Bagh Caves located?

Answer 7

Madhya Pradesh.

Question 8

Which architectural style started to evolve during the Gupta period?

Answer 8

Nagara style (North Indian temple architecture).

Question 9

Name a surviving brick temple from the Gupta era.

Answer 9

Bhitargaon Temple in Uttar Pradesh.

Question 10

What is the Deogarh Temple famous for?

Answer 10

It is one of the earliest Hindu temples with elaborate sculptures of Lord Vishnu.

Question 11

What is the main deity of the Bhitargaon Temple?

Answer 11

Lord Vishnu.

Question 12

What is the Udayagiri Varaha Panel?

Answer 12

A stone sculpture showing Lord Vishnu in his Varaha (boar) avatar.

Question 13

What is the significance of the Nalanda University in architecture?

Answer 13

It was a major Buddhist learning center with large monasteries and temples.

Question 14

Which two architectural styles influenced Gupta temples?

Answer 14

Nagara (North Indian) and Dravidian (South Indian) styles.

Question 15

What was the primary construction material used in Gupta temples?

Answer 15

Brick and stone.

Question 16

Name an important Gupta-era stupa.

Answer 16

The Ratnagiri Stupa in Odisha.

Question 17

What did Ajanta paintings mainly depict?

Answer 17

Jataka tales and events from Buddha’s life.

Question 18

How did Gupta architecture differ from the earlier Mauryan period?

Answer 18

It focused on ornate temples and sculptures instead of large stone structures like Mauryan pillars.

Question 19

What are terracotta figurines from the Gupta period used for?

Answer 19

They were used for both religious and secular purposes.

Question 20

Name an important example of Hindu temple architecture from the Gupta period.

Answer 20

The Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh.

Question 21

What kind of roof was typically seen in early Gupta temples?

Answer 21

Flat roof with a pyramidal tower.

Question 22

What was the Shikhara in Gupta temples?

Answer 22

A tower-like structure over the sanctum of a temple.

Question 23

What is the Sigiriya painting and its connection to Gupta art?

Answer 23

Frescoes in Sri Lanka, influenced by the Ajanta style.

Question 24

Name a famous metal sculpture from the Gupta period.

Answer 24

The Nalanda Copper Buddha.

Question 25

What are Shiva Lingas from the Gupta period made of?

Answer 25

Mostly stone with intricate carvings.

Question 26

Which artistic concept was perfected in Gupta sculptures?

Answer 26

Realism and idealized beauty.

Question 27

Name a surviving Gupta-era cave temple.

Answer 27

Udayagiri caves in Madhya Pradesh.

Question 28

What kind of pillars did the Gupta period produce?

Answer 28

Monolithic pillars, often with inscriptions.

Question 29

How did Gupta artists depict clothing and drapery in sculptures?

Answer 29

Using thin, clinging garments with delicate folds.

Question 30

What is the Garbhagriha in Gupta temples?

Answer 30

The sanctum sanctorum where the deity's idol is placed.

Question 31

What is the significance of the Eran Inscription in art history?

Answer 31

It provides the first historical reference to the practice of Sati.

Question 32

Name the three principal Hindu deities worshipped in Gupta temples.

Answer 32

Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi (Durga/Lakshmi).

Question 33

What is the Dashavatara Temple known for?

Answer 33

The earliest surviving Vishnu temple with detailed sculptural panels.

Question 34

How did Gupta coins reflect their artistic skills?

Answer 34

They had intricate gold and silver engravings of rulers and deities.

Question 35

How did the Gupta period influence later temple architecture?

Answer 35

It laid the foundation for later Nagara-style temples in North India.

Question 36

What was the role of guilds in the promotion of art?

Answer 36

They supported craftsmen, sculptors, and temple construction.

Question 37

What was unique about Gupta-era stupas?

Answer 37

They were smaller but had intricate carvings and Buddhist motifs.

Question 38

How did Gupta temples differ from earlier rock-cut architecture?

Answer 38

They were structural temples rather than rock-cut shrines.

Question 39

What artistic technique was perfected in Gupta frescoes?

Answer 39

The use of natural colors and shading for realism.

Question 40

How did Gupta period artists influence Southeast Asian art?

Answer 40

The Nagara style influenced temple construction in Cambodia, Indonesia, and Thailand.