Q. Consider the following historical places:
- Ajanta Caves
- Lepakshi Temple
- Sanchi Stupa
Which of the above places is/are also known for mural paintings?
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 1, 2 and 3
- None
Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only
Notes:
Mural Paintings:
- The mural is the only form of painting that is truly three-dimensional since it modifies and partakes a given space.
- Mural paintings are applied on drywall with the major use of egg, yolk, oil, etc.
- Notable examples: Ajanta Caves, Bagh Caves, Sittanavasal Caves, Armamalai Cave (Tamil Nadu), Kailasa temple (Ellora Caves).
- Murals from this period depict mainly religious themes of Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu.
- Depict a large number of incidents from the life of the Buddha (Jataka Tales).
- Exclusively Buddhist, excepting decorative patterns on the ceilings and the pillars.
- Lepakshi Temple:
- Lepakshi temple is a good repository of mural paintings of the Vijayanagar Kings.
- Located on a low, rocky hill called Kurmasailam (which translates to tortoise hill in Telugu) in southern Andhra Pradesh, the Lepakshi temple was built by the brothers, Virupanna and Veeranna, who were initially in the service of the Vijayanagar rulers in 1583.
- It is famed for its Hanging Column or Pillar, a monolithic Nandi (4.5 m high and 8.23 m long) and finest specimens of mural paintings.
- Sanchi Stupa:
- Sanchi is known for sculptures. Commissioned by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka in 3rd century BC, it is a simple hemispherical brick structure built over the relics of the Buddha with four Torana (ornamental gateways).
- It also has stone reliefs inspired from the life of the Buddha and pillar having central anta capital with many rosettes, beads-and-reels, as well as a central palmette design.
- It does not have any mural paintings.