Consider the following historical places: Mural Painting

Consider the following historical places

1. Ajanta Caves
2. Lepakshi Temple
3. Sanchi Stupa

Which of the above places is/are also known for mural paintings?

1. Only 1
2. 1 and 2
3. All of these
4. None of these

Answer: All of these

A mural is any piece of artwork painted or applied directly on a wall, ceiling or other permanent surfaces. A distinguishing characteristic of mural painting is that the architectural elements of the given space are harmoniously incorporated into the picture.

Ajanta Murals (paintings carved on solid substances like rocks or caves), are among the earliest paintings in India. The Ajanta paintings were composed in two phases, with the initial paintings being developed in 2nd Centaury B.C, while the second phase beginning around 5th Centaury A.D.

The exquisite 16th-century Virabhadra Temple, also known as the Lepakshi temple, is located in Lepakshi village in the Anantpur district of Andhra Pradesh. It was built by the brothers Viranna and Virupanna, who were Governors in the Vijayanagara empire during the reign of King Achutaraya. The temple is renowned for being the repository of the finest mural paintings of the Vijayanagara period. Scholar Anna L. Dallapiccola takes us through the history, stylistic details and present condition of these murals.

Sanchi needs no introduction. A UNESCO World Heritage site located in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, Sanchi Stupas reveal the richness of Indian heritage, the country’s enormous cultural inventory, and lessons from post-Mauryan craftsmen on architecture and arts. Various styles, stone carvings and narrative art depictions through stories are few features of these prodigious structures that boast of richness and authenticity of ancient murals. The most fascinating aspect of our prehistoric era is the austerity and grandeur, with which these monumental structures stand the test of time.