Complete Summary and Solutions for Later Mural Traditions – NCERT Class XI Fine Arts, Chapter 5 – Explanation, Questions, Answers

Detailed summary and explanation of Chapter 5 'Later Mural Traditions' from the NCERT Fine Arts textbook for Class XI, covering the history and evolution of mural paintings in India after the early historical period, highlighting regional styles such as the Ajanta frescoes, their themes, techniques, pigments used, and cultural significance. Includes insights into preservation efforts, notable examples from various regions, and all NCERT questions, answers, and exercises.

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Categories: NCERT, Class XI, Fine Arts, Chapter 5, Mural Paintings, Ajanta Frescoes, Indian Art History, Summary, Questions, Answers, Explanation
Tags: Later Mural Traditions, Mural Paintings, Ajanta, Frescoes, Indian Art, Fine Arts, NCERT, Class 11, Summary, Explanation, Questions, Answers, Chapter 5
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Later Mural Traditions - Class 11 Art Chapter 5 Ultimate Study Guide 2025

Later Mural Traditions

Chapter 5: An Introduction to Indian Art - Ultimate Study Guide | NCERT Class 11 Notes, Questions, Examples & Quiz 2025

Full Chapter Summary & Detailed Notes - Later Mural Traditions Class 11 NCERT

Overview & Key Concepts

  • Chapter Goal: Trace post-Ajanta mural evolution in South India, focusing on dynastic patronage (Chalukya to Kerala). Exam Focus: Sites (Badami, Brihadeswara, Lepakshi), styles (sinuous lines, elongation), themes (palace scenes, epics). 2025 Updates: Digital restoration projects, Nayaka influences. Fun Fact: Chola murals unveiled in 1931 reveal two layers. Core Idea: Murals blend sculpture-painting, reflecting Vaishnava/Shaiva devotion.
  • Wider Scope: From Badami fragments to Kerala vibrancy; sources: Inscriptions (e.g., Mangalesha), visuals (dancing nymphs, Nataraja), activities (style comparison), think/reflect (patronage role).
  • Expanded Content: Include Nayaka extensions; point-wise for recall; add 2025 relevance like Hampi UNESCO murals.

Introduction to Post-Ajanta Traditions

  • Definition: Continuation of cave/temple murals after Ajanta; plastered sculptures painted.
  • Purpose: Dynastic glory, religious narration; simultaneous sculpting-painting.
  • Periods: 6th-18th CE; Chalukya to Kerala schools.
  • Example: Badami palace scenes in fluid lines.
  • Expanded: Evidence: Inscriptions (578 CE); debates: Regional vs pan-Indian; real: 60+ Kerala sites.
Conceptual Diagram: South Indian Mural Timeline (Page 61)

Chronology: Badami (6th CE) → Chola (11th) → Vijayanagara (14th) → Kerala (16th-18th); visualizes dynastic flow.

Why This Guide Stands Out

Comprehensive: All dynasties point-wise, visual integrations; 2025 with conservation (e.g., pigment scans), analyzed for stylistic maturity.

Badami and Early Chalukya

  • Site Details: Karnataka capital (543-598 CE); Cave 4 (Vishnu Cave, 578-579 CE) by Mangalesha.
  • Features: Fragment on mandapa roof; Kirtivarman with wife watching dance; Indra retinue.
  • Style: Ajanta extension; sinuous lines, fluid forms, large eye-sockets, protruding lips for volume.
  • Think & Reflect: Patronage (Vaishnava); line treatment creates 3D effect.
  • Expanded: Evidence: Inscription beauty; debates: Maturity in 6th CE; real: Palace scenes rare survival.

Pallava, Pandya, and Chola Dynasties

  • Pallava (7th CE): Mahendravarman I (Vichitrachitta); sites: Panamalai (graceful Devi), Mandagapattu, Kanchipuram (Rajsimha's Somaskanda); round faces, rhythmic lines, elongated torsos.
  • Pandya (9th CE): Tirumalaipuram fragments; Sittanvasal (ceiling/veranda nymphs in vermilion/yellow; supple limbs, elongated eyes).
  • Chola (9th-13th CE): Zenith 11th CE; Brihadeswara (Thanjavur, Rajaraja I); two layers (Chola under Nayak); themes: Shiva narrations (Kailash, Tripurantaka, Nataraja), Rajaraja portrait; sinuous lines, supple modelling, elongated features.
  • Activity: Compare elongation (Chola transition).
  • Expanded: Evidence: Cleaning 1931; debates: Upper layer impact; real: Gangaikonda Cholapuram/Darasuram temples.

Exam Activities

Observe styles (Q1); essay on Vijayanagara (Q2); describe Kerala/Tamil (Q3).

Vijayanagara, Nayaka, and Kerala Schools

  • Vijayanagara (14th-16th CE): Hampi capital; Tiruparakunram early phase; Virupaksha (Ramayana/Mahabharata, Vidyaranya procession, Vishnu avatars); Lepakshi (Shiva temple: profile faces, large eyes, narrow waists, rectilinear compositions).
  • Nayaka (17th-18th CE): Thiruparakunram (Mahavira life, epics); Sreerangam/Tiruvarur (Muchukunda, Bhikshatana, Mohini); Chengam (60 Ramayana panels); slim waists, less heavy, dynamic space.
  • Kerala (16th-18th CE): Unique language from Kathakali/kalam ezhuthu; vibrant colors, 3D figures; themes: Local Ramayana/Mahabharata; sites: 60+ (Pundareekapuram Krishna, Triprayar Rama, Vadakkunathan); palaces (Dutch Kochi).
  • Modern Links: Village murals (pithoro, Mithila, Warli).
  • Expanded: Evidence: Oral sources; debates: Regional mods; real: 2025 Hampi digitization.

Summary Key Points

  • Dynasties: Chalukya (Badami fluid), Chola (sinuous maturity), Vijayanagara (profile rectilinear), Kerala (vibrant 3D); Themes: Epics, dances, portraits; Techniques: Line modelling, elongation.
  • Impact: Patronage evolution; challenges: Fragment survival.

Project & Group Ideas

  • Group: Replicate Lepakshi scene; individual: Dynasty report with sketches.
  • Debate: Style continuity vs innovation.
  • Ethical role-play: Temple conservation vs access.