Question

Where has the Rampurva bull been placed now?

Answer 1

Hint: The most celebrated examples of Mauryan art are the Ashokan pillars. The name Ramapurva has been taken from the site from which it has been excavated, Ramapurva in Bihar.

Complete answer:
The Rampurva bulls are the capitals or the head of a pair of Ashokan pillars. These were discovered in 1876 AD. It is a delicately carved model with all the distinct features. The Rampurva bull has been placed in the Presidential Palace of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The bull has been an example of Indian and Persian elements. The Rampurva bull became a part of the Rashtrapati Bhavan in 1948. It was placed there after it had returned from Burlington where it was demonstrated in an exhibition for Indian art.

The weight of the Rampurva bull is five tons. Dr Rajendra Prasad and Jawaharlal Nehru who had very keen interests in Indian art wanted it to be placed in the Rashtrapati Bhavan. It was decided that it would be placed in the front portion of the veranda. It is one of the seven animal capitals remaining. There is no inscription on the bull. The bull is placed on a decorated band of floral decoration which is rested on an inverted lotus.
Note: While answering this question, do not get confused between the Rampurva bull and the Lion Capital which is the national emblem of India. The Lion Capital was originally placed on the Ashokan pillar in Sarnath which was built by Emperor Ashoka and was adopted as the national emblem in 1950.