UPSC Prelims 2026 · Question 4 of 96

UPSC Prelims 2026 question on Amaravati Stupa

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.

Select the answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 only
  2. 1 and 3 only
  3. 2 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
Show answer

Answer: B. 1 and 3 only

Verdict

Statements 1 and 3 are correct, so the answer is Option (b).

Statement by statement

Statement 1 is correct: The Amaravati Stupa, historically known as Dhanyakataka, was built in the lower Krishna river valley in modern Andhra Pradesh, thriving under the patronage of the Satavahanas and later the Ikshvakus.

Statement 2 is not correct: When fully intact, the Amaravati Stupa was actually larger than the Sanchi Stupa, not next to it in size. Sanchi Stupa No. 1 has a diameter of roughly 36.5 metres, whereas the Amaravati Mahachaitya was the largest stupa in the Indian subcontinent during its peak, with a dome diameter exceeding 50 metres and a height of nearly 30 metres. Unlike Sanchi's stone railings, Amaravati was renowned for its Ayaka platforms topped with five Ayaka pillars facing each cardinal direction, symbolising the five major events of the Buddha's life.

Statement 3 is correct: The Amaravati school was distinct for its use of white marble-like limestone and its dynamic, crowded narrative style emphasising movement. Its stylistic idioms deeply influenced Pallava and Chola art, and direct trade links led to the export of Amaravati-style Buddha statues to Sri Lanka (Anuradhapura), Thailand and Indonesia.

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