Question

Arrange the following sculptures according to their chronological order :
A. Ashokan Portrait, Sannati
B. Apsara, Sanchi
C. Nataraja, Badami
D. Ravan lifting Mt. Kailash, Ellora
E. Maheshamurti, Elephanta.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. D, B, A, C, E
• B. A, C, E, B, D
• C. B, C, A, D, E
• D. B, A, E, C, D

Hint:

Logic Tip: Sanchi comes earliest, followed by early historic Sannati, then Elephanta, Badami, and finally Ellora.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept:
This question tests the chronological understanding of major Indian sculptures ranging from Buddhist art to medieval Hindu cave sculpture.

Step 1:
B. Apsara, Sanchi
The sculptures at Sanchi belong mainly to: \[ 2^{nd}-1^{st} \text{ century BCE} \] Thus, the Apsara of Sanchi is the earliest among the given works. A. Ashokan Portrait, Sannati
The Sannati sculptures belong approximately to the: \[ 1^{st} \text{ century BCE / early CE} \] making them later than Sanchi. E. Maheshamurti, Elephanta
The famous Trimurti (Maheshamurti) at Elephanta belongs to: \[ 6^{th} \text{ century CE} \] It represents mature Shaiva cave sculpture. C. Nataraja, Badami
The Badami cave sculptures belong to: \[ 6^{th}-7^{th} \text{ century CE} \] slightly later than Elephanta. D. Ravan lifting Mt. Kailash, Ellora
The Ellora Kailasanatha sculptures belong to: \[ 8^{th} \text{ century CE} \] making them the latest among the given examples.

Step 2:
From earliest to latest: \[ B \rightarrow A \rightarrow E \rightarrow C \rightarrow D \]

Step 3:
This sequence corresponds to: \[ \boxed{\text{Option (4)}} \]

Step 4:
These sculptures collectively demonstrate:
• Development of Buddhist narrative art
• Rise of Hindu cave sculpture
• Evolution of Shaiva iconography
• Transition from early historic to medieval Indian art

Step 5:
Therefore, the correct chronological sequence is: \[ \boxed{B, A, E, C, D} \] Hence, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{(4) B, A, E, C, D}} \]