Sheshashayi Vishnu' is a relief sculpture from :

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Accepted Answer

The correct option is 3:
The masterpiece relief sculpture of 'Sheshashayi Vishnu' is the crowning glory of the Gupta-period (c. 5th century CE) Dashavatara Temple located in **Devgarh** (in the Lalitpur district of Uttar Pradesh). This colossal panel, carved into the side wall of the temple, depicts Lord Vishnu reclining in yogic sleep (Yoganidra) upon the coils of the cosmic serpent Shesha (Ananta), floating on the primordial waters. This iconographic representation symbolises the cyclical nature of time and creation, specifically the period between two cosmic ages before Brahma emerges from a lotus growing from Vishnu's navel to begin the next cycle of life. The sculpture is highly significant as a definitive example of the classical Gupta style, showcasing elegant drapery, divine serenity, and a perfectly balanced composition that marks the zenith of North Indian temple art.

The incorrect option is 1:
Katra, specifically Katra Keshavdev in Mathura, is a highly significant archaeological site but is primarily associated with the art of the Kushana period, dating much earlier than the Gupta-era relief. The most famous discovery from Katra is the iconic **Seated Buddha image** from the Mathura school. This site was a major centre for the production of early anthropomorphic images of the Buddha and Jain Tirthankaras, characterised by a robust, fleshy style and Indian aesthetics. Therefore, its artistic output and period are distinctly different from the 'Sheshashayi Vishnu' relief.

The incorrect option is 2:
Bedsa is renowned for its ancient **Buddhist rock-cut caves** located in Maharashtra, dating back to the Satavahana period, around the 1st century BCE. The art here is focused on architectural carving, particularly large-scale Chaitya halls (prayer halls) and Viharas (monasteries). The decorations are mainly simple chaitya arches and stupa motifs, typical of early Buddhist traditions. As a site primarily focused on Hinayana Buddhist monastic architecture and dating to an earlier period, it has no association with the Hindu sculptural masterpiece of 'Sheshashayi Vishnu'.

The incorrect option is 4:
Ahichhatra, located in present-day Uttar Pradesh, was an important ancient capital known especially for its vast collection of **terracotta art**. The archaeological finds from Ahichhatra span a long period, but they are most celebrated for a wide array of terracotta figurines, including the famous Mother Goddesses and various human and divine figures. While it is a notable art center, the canonical 'Sheshashayi Vishnu' is a distinct stone relief sculpture located on a temple at Devgarh, not a terracotta find or a major sculptural work from Ahichhatra.