Discuss the significance of the lion and Bull figures in Indian Mythology art and architecture.

Theme

T6 Sculpture, painting, motifs, coins & safeguarding art heritage

What UPSC asks in this theme

Questions ask what sculpture and painting reveal (temple sculpture as a record of social life, Mesolithic rock art), the meaning of motifs (lion and bull), Gupta coins, and the need to safeguard art heritage.

What to cover

• Medieval temple sculpture as social record: dance, music, war, daily life
• Lion and bull motifs: Harappan seals, Mauryan capitals, mythology
• Mesolithic rock art: Bhimbetka, themes, technique
• Gupta numismatics: gold coins, themes, decline later
• Heritage protection: ASI, laws, illegal trade, repatriation, UNESCO

Writing the answer

• Use 'evidence → interpretation' format
• For heritage protection, end with concrete measures (digitisation, community role, laws)

These notes are for the whole theme, built from all 5 of its PYQs. UPSC does not publish model answers.