Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). \[ \text{Assertion (A): `Kalyan Sundaram' form of iconography represents marriage of Shiv and Parvati.} \] \[ \text{Reason (R): `Ardhanarishwar' form of iconography represents Shiva and Shakti in monosculpture.} \] In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Hint:

Kalyan Sundaram means marriage of Shiva and Parvati, while Ardhanarishwar means combined form of Shiva and Shakti.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept:
In Hindu iconography, different forms represent different religious ideas and stories. Kalyan Sundaram and Ardhanarishwar are two different forms related to Shiva and Parvati.

Step 1: Check Assertion (A).
Kalyan Sundaram represents the marriage of Shiva and Parvati. So, Assertion (A) is correct.

Step 2: Check Reason (R).
Ardhanarishwar represents Shiva and Shakti in one combined form. In this form, one half is Shiva and the other half is Parvati or Shakti. So, Reason (R) is also correct.

Step 3: Check whether Reason explains Assertion.
Although both statements are correct, Ardhanarishwar does not explain Kalyan Sundaram. Kalyan Sundaram is about the marriage of Shiva and Parvati. Ardhanarishwar is about the unity of Shiva and Shakti in one body. Therefore, Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.

Step 4: Final conclusion.
Both Assertion and Reason are correct, but Reason does not explain Assertion. Hence: \[ \boxed{\text{(B)}} \]