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Amaravati Stupa

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✅ UPSC CSE 2026 | Art & Culture – Amaravati Stupa

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

It was located in the lower Krishna valley.
In India, it was next only to the Sanchi Stupa in size.
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:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

The Amaravati Stupa (also called Mahachaitya) is located at Amaravathi village in Palnadu district (earlier Guntur district), Andhra Pradesh.
It lies in the lower Krishna valley, on the right bank of the Krishna River.
It was a major Buddhist centre during the Satavahana and Ikshvaku periods.

While Amaravati was one of the largest and most magnificent stupas in ancient India (diameter estimates ~42–50+ metres in its prime), there is no standard historical or UPSC-accepted claim that it was “next only to Sanchi” in size.
Sanchi’s Great Stupa is often highlighted for its scale and preservation, but Amaravati’s size comparison as strictly “second to Sanchi” is not factually established in standard references.
Many sources describe Amaravati as among the largest stupas, but the specific phrasing in Statement 2 makes it incorrect for exam purposes.

The Amaravati School (also called Andhra School) of sculpture developed a highly distinctive style — graceful, elongated figures, crowded narrative scenes, deep carving, and dynamic movement.
It had a profound and lasting impact on later South Indian sculpture (especially Andhra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka schools).
Due to maritime trade networks, Amaravati-style sculptures and artistic influence reached Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia (evident in Buddhist art of Thailand, Indonesia, etc.).

Feature	Details
Location	Lower Krishna valley, Amaravathi, Andhra Pradesh
Period	3rd century BCE to ~250 CE (phased construction)
Material	White limestone / Marble-like limestone
Style	Amaravati / Andhra School — slender figures, narrative richness
Patrons	Satavahanas, Ikshvakus
Speciality	Highly decorative railings, drum panels, narrative Jataka & Buddha life scenes
Influence	Strong impact on South Indian + SE Asian Buddhist art

Amaravati relief sculpture — Typical example showing the dynamic, crowded, and graceful style of the Amaravati School.

Amaravati limestone panel — Elephants and narrative scenes showcasing the rich sculptural tradition.

Comparison Table (High-Yield)

Tests location + artistic contribution of Amaravati
Common in Prelims (statement-based questions on Buddhist sites)
Helps differentiate between major stupa schools (Sanchi, Bharhut, Amaravati, Nagarjunakonda)
Overlaps with Art & Culture + Ancient History

CrackTarget One-Line Revision:

“Amaravati = Lower Krishna Valley + Andhra School → Huge influence on South India & SE Asia. Size claim vs Sanchi is not standard.”

Prepared with complete accuracy for UPSC CSE 2026.
Based on standard references (NCERT, Wikipedia scholarly consensus, Art & Culture books).