Question

The famous 'Govardhandhari' sculpture from the Gupta period is housed at:

• A. National Museum, New Delhi
• B. Bharat Kala Bhawan, Varanasi
• C. Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal
• D. Calcutta Museum, Kolkata

Hint:

Logic Tip: Many important Gupta sculptures, including Govardhandhari, are preserved at Bharat Kala Bhawan, BHU Varanasi.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept:
The Govardhandhari sculpture is one of the celebrated masterpieces of Gupta-period Indian sculpture. It depicts: \[ Lord Krishna lifting Mount Govardhana \] The Gupta period is often regarded as the: \[ Golden Age of Indian Art \] because of its achievements in sculpture, architecture, literature, and religion.

Step 1:
The term: \[ Govardhandhari \] means: \[ "The bearer of Mount Govardhana" \] According to Hindu mythology, Krishna lifted Mount Govardhana to protect the people of Vrindavan from the destructive storm sent by Indra. The sculpture symbolizes:
• Divine protection
• Strength
• Compassion
• Spiritual power

Step 2:
Gupta sculptures are known for:
• Graceful body proportions
• Spiritual serenity
• Delicate modelling
• Smooth surface treatment
• Balanced composition The Govardhandhari sculpture reflects these classical Gupta artistic qualities.

Step 3:
The famous Gupta-period Govardhandhari sculpture is preserved in: \[ Bharat Kala Bhawan, Varanasi \] Bharat Kala Bhawan is an important museum associated with: \[ Banaras Hindu University (BHU) \] It houses major collections of:
• Indian sculptures
• Paintings
• Textiles
• Archaeological artifacts

Step 4:
Option (1): National Museum, New Delhi
Although it contains important Gupta sculptures, the Govardhandhari sculpture referred to here is specifically housed at Bharat Kala Bhawan. Option (3): Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal
Bharat Bhavan is mainly a modern arts institution and not the repository of this Gupta sculpture. Option (4): Calcutta Museum, Kolkata
This option is not associated with the famous Govardhandhari sculpture.

Step 5:
The Govardhandhari sculpture is important because it:
• Represents classical Gupta aesthetics
• Illustrates Vaishnava mythology
• Demonstrates refined stone carving
• Reflects spiritual idealism in Indian art

Step 6:
Since the famous Govardhandhari sculpture is housed in Bharat Kala Bhawan, Varanasi, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{(2) Bharat Kala Bhawan, Varanasi}} \]