Which of the following statements on the Amaravati Stupa and its relief sculpture is/are correct?

1. It was located in the lower Krishna valley.

2. In India, it was next only to the Sanchi Stupa in size.

3. The Amaravati school of sculpture made a lasting impact on the later South Indian sculpture, and its products were carried to Sri Lanka and South-east Asia.

Statement 1 is correct: The Amaravati Stupa (historically known as the Mahachaitya) was located on the banks of the Krishna River in the Palnadu district of modern-day Andhra Pradesh, which falls squarely within the lower Krishna valley. It was a major center of Buddhism developed under the patronage of the Satavahanas and later the Ikshvakus.

Statement 2 is incorrect: While the Amaravati Stupa was massive, it was not next only to Sanchi in size. In fact, when it was fully intact, the Amaravati Stupa was significantly larger than the Great Stupa at Sanchi. The diameter of the Sanchi Stupa dome is about 36 meters, whereas the Amaravati Stupa dome had a diameter of roughly 49 meters, making it one of the largest stupas ever built in ancient India.

Statement 3 is correct: The Amaravati school of art had a profound and widespread geographical influence. Its signature style—characterized by intense dynamism, slender human figures, and the use of white marble-like limestone—profoundly shaped later South Indian art styles (like Pallava and Chola art). Furthermore, due to maritime trade and religious ties, Amaravati-style Buddhist sculptures were exported extensively to Sri Lanka (such as at Anuradhapura) and various parts of South-east Asia (including Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam).

Key Features of the Amaravati School for UPSC

To help you with conceptual clarity, here are the defining characteristics of this school of art:

Material Used: Distinctive white marble-like limestone (often referred to as Palnad marble).

Theme: Primarily Buddhist, depicting Jataka tales and life events of the Buddha. It evolved from aniconic (using symbols) to iconic (depicting Buddha in human form) over time.

Distinct Feature: Ayaka Pillars. Unlike central Indian stupas, the Amaravati Stupa featured platforms at the four cardinal directions topped by five free-standing pillars (Ayaka Khambhas), symbolizing the five main events of Buddha's life.

Narrative Style: The relief sculptures are famous for their crowded, dynamic layouts depicting emotions, movement, and complex narratives with incredible fluid delicacy.