Which of the following statements on the Amaravati Stupa and its relief sculpture is/are correct ? 1. It was located in the lower Krishna valley. 2. In India, it was next only to the Sanchi Stupa in size. 3. The Amaravati school of sculpture made a lasting impact on the later South Indian sculpture, and its products were carried to Sri Lanka and South-east Asia. Select the answer using the code given below :

Option (B) — Statements 1 and 3 are correct

• The Amaravati Stupa, also known as Mahachaitya, is a ruined Buddhist monument located at Amaravati village in the Palnadu district of Andhra Pradesh.
• It was built in phases between the third century BCE and about 250 CE, largely patronized by the Satavahana and Ikshvaku dynasties.
• The Amaravati school of art is renowned for its intricate relief sculptures depicting scenes from the life of Buddha and Jataka tales using white marble.

• Statement 1. It was located in the lower Krishna valley: Correct. The Amaravati Stupa was built on the right bank of the Krishna river in the lower Krishna valley of modern day Andhra Pradesh.
• Statement 2. In India, it was next only to the Sanchi Stupa in size: Incorrect. The Amaravati Stupa was actually larger than the Sanchi Stupa. With a base diameter of about 50 meters and a height of roughly 30 meters, it was the largest stupa in India at its zenith.
• Statement 3. The Amaravati school of sculpture made a lasting impact on the later South Indian sculpture, and its products were carried to Sri Lanka and South-east Asia: Correct. The Amaravati style profoundly influenced later Pallava and Chola art, and its sculptures and stylistic elements were carried by monks and traders to Sri Lanka and parts of South East Asia.