ART & ARCHITECTURE Flashcards
Why is the Gupta period called the ‘Golden Age’ of Indian art?
The Gupta period is considered the ‘Golden Age’ due to significant advancements in sculpture, painting, architecture, and literature.
What was the main inspiration for Gupta art?
Gupta art was largely inspired by religion, especially Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
Name two famous Buddhist sculptures from the Gupta period.
The bronze Buddha of Sultanganj and the stone Buddha from Sarnath.
What is unique about the Sarnath Buddha sculpture?
It represents the Gupta style with a serene expression, draped robes, and a smooth, idealized body.
Which famous pillar from the Gupta period has not rusted to this day?
The Mehrauli Iron Pillar in Delhi, made during Chandragupta II’s reign.
What are the Ajanta Caves known for?
Their detailed fresco paintings depicting the life of Buddha.
Where are Bagh Caves located?
Madhya Pradesh.
Which architectural style started to evolve during the Gupta period?
Nagara style (North Indian temple architecture).
Name a surviving brick temple from the Gupta era.
Bhitargaon Temple in Uttar Pradesh.
What is the Deogarh Temple famous for?
It is one of the earliest Hindu temples with elaborate sculptures of Lord Vishnu.
What is the main deity of the Bhitargaon Temple?
Lord Vishnu.
What is the Udayagiri Varaha Panel?
A stone sculpture showing Lord Vishnu in his Varaha (boar) avatar.
What is the significance of the Nalanda University in architecture?
It was a major Buddhist learning center with large monasteries and temples.
Which two architectural styles influenced Gupta temples?
Nagara (North Indian) and Dravidian (South Indian) styles.
What was the primary construction material used in Gupta temples?
Brick and stone.
Name an important Gupta-era stupa.
The Ratnagiri Stupa in Odisha.
What did Ajanta paintings mainly depict?
Jataka tales and events from Buddha’s life.
How did Gupta architecture differ from the earlier Mauryan period?
It focused on ornate temples and sculptures instead of large stone structures like Mauryan pillars.
What are terracotta figurines from the Gupta period used for?
They were used for both religious and secular purposes.
Name an important example of Hindu temple architecture from the Gupta period.
The Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh.
What kind of roof was typically seen in early Gupta temples?
Flat roof with a pyramidal tower.
What was the Shikhara in Gupta temples?
A tower-like structure over the sanctum of a temple.
What is the Sigiriya painting and its connection to Gupta art?
Frescoes in Sri Lanka, influenced by the Ajanta style.
Name a famous metal sculpture from the Gupta period.
The Nalanda Copper Buddha.
What are Shiva Lingas from the Gupta period made of?
Mostly stone with intricate carvings.
Which artistic concept was perfected in Gupta sculptures?
Realism and idealized beauty.
Name a surviving Gupta-era cave temple.
Udayagiri caves in Madhya Pradesh.
What kind of pillars did the Gupta period produce?
Monolithic pillars, often with inscriptions.
How did Gupta artists depict clothing and drapery in sculptures?
Using thin, clinging garments with delicate folds.
What is the Garbhagriha in Gupta temples?
The sanctum sanctorum where the deity’s idol is placed.
What is the significance of the Eran Inscription in art history?
It provides the first historical reference to the practice of Sati.
Name the three principal Hindu deities worshipped in Gupta temples.
Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi (Durga/Lakshmi).
What is the Dashavatara Temple known for?
The earliest surviving Vishnu temple with detailed sculptural panels.
How did Gupta coins reflect their artistic skills?
They had intricate gold and silver engravings of rulers and deities.
How did the Gupta period influence later temple architecture?
It laid the foundation for later Nagara-style temples in North India.
What was the role of guilds in the promotion of art?
They supported craftsmen, sculptors, and temple construction.
What was unique about Gupta-era stupas?
They were smaller but had intricate carvings and Buddhist motifs.
How did Gupta temples differ from earlier rock-cut architecture?
They were structural temples rather than rock-cut shrines.
What artistic technique was perfected in Gupta frescoes?
The use of natural colors and shading for realism.
How did Gupta period artists influence Southeast Asian art?
The Nagara style influenced temple construction in Cambodia, Indonesia, and Thailand.
