UPSC Prelims 2012 Q72: Art & Culture – Sculpture & Iconography
- (a) Buddha's calling of the Earth to watch over Māra and to prevent Māra from disturbing his meditation
- (b) Buddha's calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Māra
- (c) Buddha's reminder to his followers that they all arise from the Earth and finally dissolve into the Earth, and, thus this life is transitory
- (d) Both the statements (a) and (b) are correct in this context
Answer: (b) Buddha's calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Māra
Explanation
Bhumisparsha Mudra
Bhumisparsha means 'touching the earth'.
The Buddha sits in meditation, with the right hand reaching down to touch the ground.
The story: just before his enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, Mara tried to tempt and frighten him.
The Buddha touched the earth and called it to witness his purity and his right to enlightenment.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Calling the Earth to watch over Mara and to prevent Mara from disturbing his meditation | Incorrect | The Earth was called as a witness, not as a guard |
| (b) Calling the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara | Correct | This is what the gesture means |
| (c) A reminder that all arise from the Earth and dissolve into it | Incorrect | Not the meaning of this mudra |
| (d) Both (a) and (b) | Incorrect | Only (b) is right |
Other mudras of the Buddha:
| Mudra | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Dharmachakra | First sermon at Sarnath |
| Abhaya | Fearlessness and protection |
| Dhyana | Meditation |
| Varada | Giving of boons |
Answer: (b) Buddha's calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. He did not ask the Earth to watch over Mara; he asked it to bear witness.
- (b) CORRECT. The gesture calls the Earth to witness his purity despite Mara's temptations.
- (c) Incorrect. The mudra is not a reminder that life is transitory.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement (a) is wrong, so both cannot be chosen.
Key point
Bhumisparsha: Earth as witness at enlightenment (Bodh Gaya, defeat of Mara). Dharmachakra: first sermon. Abhaya: fearlessness. Dhyana: meditation. Varada: boons.
Remember
Bhumisparsha = Earth witnesses the enlightenment.
Common mistakes
- Choosing 'both (a) and (b)' because both mention Mara.
- Confusing Bhumisparsha with the Dhyana mudra, where both hands rest in the lap.
- Linking the gesture to the first sermon, which is the Dharmachakra mudra.
Exam tip
The Earth is a witness, not a guard. That one word separates (a) from (b).
Sources
- NCERT Class XI — An Introduction to Indian Art, Ch 4 (Post-Mauryan Trends in Indian Art and Architecture)
- Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) — Buddhist iconography: mudras