Which foreign element, stemming from Achaemenid Persia, influenced Mauryan sculpture?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. Bold and massive realism.
Mauryan sculpture, particularly the lion capitals and pillars of Ashoka, was significantly influenced by Achaemenid Persian art. This influence is seen in the bold and massive realism of the animal figures, characterized by muscular tension and anatomical precision. Additionally, the highly polished luster (Mauryan polish) on sandstone surfaces and the use of the bell-shaped inverted lotus are direct legacies of Persian craftsmanship, adapted by Indian artisans to symbolize imperial power and Buddhist philosophy.
Other Options:
-
Use of terracotta: This was a localized, indigenous tradition used for folk figurines and toys, independent of Persian court art.
-
Employment of specific deities: Mauryan art focused on Buddhist symbols and Yakshas; Persian religion (Zoroastrianism) did not export its specific deities into Mauryan sculpture.
-
Intricate filigree work: This refers to delicate jewelry metalwork; Mauryan sculpture was primarily monumental stonework known for its scale and smoothness.