Read the below statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Mark the correct options:
Assertion (A): The sculptures of the Nalanda School are three-dimensional and delicately ornamented.
Reason (R): The Nalanda sculptural tradition was influenced by Sarnath, local Bihar styles, and central Indian art.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
The Nalanda School emerged as a distinct artistic center during the Pala period, primarily between the 9th and 12th centuries. The Assertion (A) is correct because these sculptures, often made of bronze or black basalt, are renowned for their three-dimensional depth and intricate, delicate ornamentation. The Reason (R) correctly explains this excellence: the style was a unique synthesis of the Sarnath Gupta tradition’s elegance, local Bihar folk styles, and the structural robustness of central Indian art.