Question

The 'Chauri Bearer' Yakshi from Didarganj was made of:

• A. Fibre
• B. Steatite
• C. Bronze
• D. Polished Sandstone

Hint:

Logic Tip: Didarganj Yakshi is famous for Mauryan polished sandstone finish.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept:
The Didarganj Yakshi, also called the Chauri Bearer, is one of the most famous sculptures of ancient Indian art. It is celebrated for its:
• Graceful form
• Monumental elegance
• Highly polished surface
• Refined craftsmanship It is regarded as one of the finest examples of Mauryan-period sculptural tradition.

Step 1:
The sculpture depicts a female attendant holding a: \[ Chauri (fly whisk) \] Hence the name: \[ Chauri Bearer \] Features of the sculpture include:
• Elaborate ornaments
• Smooth body modelling
• Elegant posture
• Rich surface polish

Step 2:
The sculpture was carved from: \[ Polished Sandstone \] The surface displays the famous: \[ Mauryan polish \] which gives the sculpture a glossy, mirror-like finish. This polish demonstrates:
• Advanced stone finishing techniques
• Technical mastery of Mauryan sculptors
• Imperial artistic refinement

Step 3:
Option (1): Fibre
Fibre materials are modern industrial products and unrelated to ancient Mauryan sculpture. Option (2): Steatite
Steatite was commonly used for Indus seals, not for the Didarganj Yakshi. Option (3): Bronze
Although bronze casting existed in ancient India, this sculpture is carved from stone.

Step 4:
The Didarganj Yakshi is important because it:
• Represents early Indian monumental sculpture
• Demonstrates Mauryan polish technique
• Reflects feminine beauty and elegance
• Bridges folk Yakshi traditions and court art It remains one of the iconic sculptures of ancient India.

Step 5:
Since the Didarganj Yakshi was carved from polished sandstone, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{(4) Polished Sandstone}} \]