NCERT Class 11 Fine Art An Introduction to Indian Art Part-I: Chapter 7 — INDIAN BRONZE
This chapter explores the rich history of Indian bronze sculpture, highlighting the mastery of the 'lost-wax' casting process dating back to the Indus Valley Culture. It details the creation of bronze sculptures for Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain icons, used primarily for ritual worship and noted for their exquisite beauty. The chapter discusses significant examples like the 'Dancing Girl' from Mohenjodaro and bronzes from Daimabad, Chausa, and Akota, dating from the second to the sixteenth century CE. It emphasizes the evolution of techniques, the depiction of human physique, and the influence of Gupta and Vakataka periods. The chapter also touches upon the continued use of bronze casting for daily articles and by present-day tribal communities, underscoring its enduring cultural significance in India.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Fine Art |
| Book | An Introduction to Indian Art Part-I |
| Chapter | Chapter 7 — INDIAN BRONZE |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 610 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the historical development of bronze casting in India.
- Identify the 'lost-wax' process and its significance.
- Recognize key bronze sculptures from different periods and regions.
- Appreciate the aesthetic and ritualistic importance of Indian bronze art.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Cire-perdu | Lost-wax process used for casting metals. |
| Alloy | A mixture of two or more metals, or a metal and one or more other elements. |
| Statuettes | Small statues. |
| Icons | Images or representations, especially of a sacred nature. |
| Ritual worship | Religious ceremonies or acts of devotion. |
| Tirthankaras | Spiritual teachers in Jainism. |
| Abhaya mudra | A gesture of reassurance or fearlessness in Buddhist and Hindu iconography. |
| Sanghati | A monk's robe, typically covering the shoulders. |
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Practice questions
- What is the 'lost-wax' process? Answer: It is a casting method where a wax model is used to create a mold, and the wax is melted and drained away before molten metal is poured in.
- Name an early bronze sculpture from the Indus Valley Culture. Answer: The 'Dancing Girl' from Mohenjodaro.
- From which region were Jain bronzes discovered that date to the Kushana Period? Answer: Chausa, Bihar.
- What is the significance of the Akota hoard of bronzes? Answer: It established that bronze casting was practiced in Gujarat or western India between the sixth and ninth centuries CE, and introduced new formats like seated tirthankaras.
Practice MCQs
Q1. The 'lost-wax' process for casting was known in India as early as:
Explanation: The text explicitly states that the cire-perdu or 'lost-wax' process was learnt as long ago as the Indus Valley Culture.
Q2. Which of the following is considered the earliest bronze sculpture, datable to 2500 BCE?
Explanation: The chapter mentions, 'Perhaps the 'Dancing Girl' from Mohenjodaro is the earliest bronze sculpture datable to 2500 BCE.'
Q3. Bronze sculptures of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain icons have been discovered dating from:
Explanation: The text states, 'Bronze sculptures and statuettes of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain icons have been discovered from many regions of India dating from the second century until the sixteenth century.'
Q4. The Jain bronzes discovered at Akota, Gujarat, are dated between:
Explanation: A famous hoard of Jain bronzes was found at Akota, on the outskirts of Baroda, dated between the end of the fifth and the end of the seventh century CE.
Q5. The 'Chariot' sculpture discovered at Daimabad features:
Explanation: The text describes the 'Chariot' from Daimabad, noting 'the bulls in the forefront are modelled in sturdy forms while the driver or human rider has been elongated.'
Frequently asked questions
What is the significance of the 'lost-wax' process in Indian art?
The 'lost-wax' (cire-perdu) process allowed Indian sculptors to create intricate and detailed bronze figures, a technique mastered as early as the Indus Valley Culture.
When did Indian sculptors master bronze casting?
Indian sculptors had mastered the bronze medium and casting process as early as the Indus Valley Culture, with significant developments continuing until the sixteenth century CE.
What types of icons were commonly made using bronze casting?
Bronze casting was used to create icons of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain deities and figures, often used for ritual worship.
What is notable about the bronze sculptures from Akota?
The Akota bronzes, dated between the 5th and 7th centuries CE, show mastery in casting Jain tirthankaras, sometimes seated on thrones, and were often inlaid with silver and copper.
Besides religious icons, what else were bronze casting techniques used for?
Bronze casting was also utilized for making articles for daily use, such as utensils for cooking, eating, and drinking.
What is the approximate age of the 'Dancing Girl' sculpture?
The 'Dancing Girl' from Mohenjodaro is considered the earliest bronze sculpture, datable to approximately 2500 BCE.
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NCERT Class 11 Fine Art — An Introduction to Indian Art Part-I — Chapter 7 — INDIAN BRONZE. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.