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Q28 (CDS-II/2024) History & Culture › Art & Architecture › Buddhist art and architecture Answer Verified

In the decoration of Stupas, what does the term 'KirtiMukha' refer to ?

Result
Your answer: —  Â·  Correct: A
Explanation

In the context of Stupa decoration, 'Kirtimukha' (literally 'face of glory') is a common ornamental motif representing a grotesque mask or devouring face. While it is widely known as a lion-like face in temple architecture, in the specific decorative programs of early Buddhist stupas and monuments, it is often integrated with elaborate floral and faunal patterns. Specifically, it appears as a stringcourse or cornice element where the 'face' is capped by floral motifs or serves as the origin point for decorative creepers that showcase intricate details of ornaments and textiles. This motif represents the duality of life and death and is found in Buddhist contexts such as the Paraspora stupa. Other decorative elements in stupas include the shalabhanjika (auspicious woman) and various geometric or floral designs [1].

Sources

  1. [1] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings > 9.3 Popular traditions > p. 101
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