QUESTION 13
GS1
15 marks
Discuss the significance of the lion and bull figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture.
WRITE IN
11 min
250 words
What the examiner wants
Show the meaning and use of lion and bull figures across myth, sculpture and buildings, from Harappa to later periods.
DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.
Demand-wise check
- 1Mythology: bull as Nandi and fertility, lion as vehicle of Durga and symbol of power≈65 words
- 2Art: Harappan seals, Mauryan capitals≈65 words
- 3Architecture: temple Nandi mandapas, lion pillars, national emblem≈65 words
Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.
Answer plan
IntroBull in myth, art, architectureLion in myth, art, architectureContinuityConclusion
Where marks usually go
- Covering only Mauryan pillars
- Not linking each figure to all three fields: mythology, art and architecture
Draw this
- Timeline with icons: Harappan seal → Mauryan capital → temple Nandi
Value addition
- ExampleThe Rampurva bull capital and the Sarnath lion capital show Mauryan polish and symbolism.Archaeological Survey of India
- ExampleThe Pashupati seal and humped bull seals from Harappa show early use of animal symbolism.NCERT Themes in Indian History Part I
Mapped topper copies
Reviewed public-source references related to this PYQ. Same-syllabus references are labelled separately.
- Ajay R Raj · AIR 109 · Page 13 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- Ritika Chitlangia · Page 29 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- Abhishek Singh · Page 28 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
- Dev Dudeja · Page 5 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
Links open original public sources. MainsBuddy does not host these answer sheets.
Next: plan for one minute, write it in 11 minutes, then get it checked.