Question

The iconic image of Buddha in 'Dhammachakkapravartan' gesture from the Gupta period is housed in:

• A. National Crafts Museum, New Delhi
• B. Salarjung Museum, Hyderabad
• C. National Museum, New Delhi
• D. Archaeological Museum, Sarnath

Hint:

Logic Tip: Sarnath = First Sermon of Buddha = Dhammachakkapravartan Buddha image.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept:
The Buddha image in the Dhammachakkapravartan Mudra from the Gupta period is considered one of the finest masterpieces of Indian Buddhist sculpture. It represents the moment when Buddha delivered his: \[ First Sermon at Sarnath \] This sculpture is an outstanding example of Gupta-period spiritual idealism and artistic perfection.

Step 1:
The term: \[ Dhammachakkapravartan \] means: \[ "Turning the Wheel of Dharma" \] It symbolizes Buddha's first teaching after attaining enlightenment. The gesture is represented by:
• Hands held before the chest
• Fingers arranged in symbolic teaching posture
• Expression of spiritual calm and wisdom

Step 2:
The Gupta period is regarded as the classical age of Indian sculpture because of features such as:
• Spiritual serenity
• Smooth modelling
• Harmonious proportions
• Delicate drapery treatment
• Idealized human form The Sarnath Buddha image is one of the greatest examples of these qualities.

Step 3:
The famous Gupta-period Buddha image in Dhammachakkapravartan Mudra is preserved in: \[ Archaeological Museum, Sarnath \] Sarnath is historically important because:
• Buddha gave his first sermon there
• It became a major Buddhist center
• Important Gupta sculptures were excavated there

Step 4:
Option (1): National Crafts Museum, New Delhi
This museum focuses mainly on traditional crafts rather than major Gupta Buddhist sculptures. Option (2): Salarjung Museum, Hyderabad
Although it houses important art collections, the famous Sarnath Buddha is not preserved there. Option (3): National Museum, New Delhi
The National Museum contains many Buddhist sculptures, but this iconic image specifically belongs to the Archaeological Museum at Sarnath.

Step 5:
This sculpture is historically significant because it:
• Represents the peak of Gupta art
• Symbolizes Buddhist philosophy
• Combines spirituality with artistic perfection
• Influenced Buddhist sculpture across Asia

Step 6:
Since the iconic Dhammachakkapravartan Buddha image is housed at the Archaeological Museum, Sarnath, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{(4) Archaeological Museum, Sarnath}} \]