Which of the following statements on the Amaravati Stupa and its relief sculpture is/are correct?

1. It was located in the lower Krishna valley.
2. In India, it was next only to the Sanchi Stupa in size.
3. The Amaravati school of sculpture made a lasting impact on the later South Indian sculpture, and its products were carried to Sri Lanka and South-east Asia.

Select the answer using the code given below:

1. 1 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• The Amaravati Stupa was situated in the lower Krishna valley in present-day Andhra Pradesh.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• The Amaravati Mahachaitya, originally a magnificent stupa, is now in ruins. It was one of the largest stupas in ancient India, larger than the one at Sanchi.

Statement 3 is correct

• Amaravati Art was known for its narrative relief sculptures depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha and other religious stories in white marble and limestone. It was predominantly Buddhist art, and during the Satavahana period, the Stupa at Amaravati was adorned with limestone reliefs depicting scenes from the Buddha’s life. Amaravati School influenced the later South Indian sculpture, and its products were taken to Sri Lanka and South-East Asia.

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only; Difficulty Level: Medium