For Prelims: Gupta Period (Golden Age), Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Nayika Statue, Name of the statue, Age, Height and material, Discovering body, Location
For Mains: Gupta art and architecture, Nayika sculpture, ASI excavations, Madhya Pradesh heritage
Source:
Dainik Bhaskar
5 facts for one-day exams
SSC, railway, police and teaching exams ask direct questions like these.
- The 'Lady of Nachna' is a 1,500-year-old statue discovered by ASI in Panna, Madhya Pradesh.
- The statue is made of grey sandstone and is 20 cm tall.
- It shows a woman with a seven-strand necklace, earrings, armlets, bangles, and a hair clip.
- It belongs to the Gupta period (c. 4th-6th century CE).
- It is the oldest known 'nayika' statue in Madhya Pradesh.
Why in the news?
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has unearthed a 1,500-year-old statue of a woman adorning herself in Nachna village, Panna district, Madhya Pradesh. Named the 'Lady of Nachna', this 20 cm tall grey sandstone statue from the Gupta period is the first of its kind in the state showing a woman engaged in adornment, with a seven-strand necklace, earrings, armlets, bangles, and a hair clip.
Summary
- The 'Lady of Nachna' is a 1,500-year-old (Gupta period) complete statue of a woman adorning herself, discovered by ASI in Panna district, Madhya Pradesh.
- The 20 cm tall grey sandstone statue features a seven-strand necklace, earrings, armlets, bangles, and a distinctive hair clip.
- It is the oldest known 'nayika' (heroine) statue in Madhya Pradesh, predating the 1,000-year-old 'Lady of Gyaraspur' from the Kalachuri period.
Highlights
The Discovery
ASI found a 1,500-year-old complete statue of a woman adorning herself in Nachna, Panna, Madhya Pradesh.
Artistic Details
The statue shows a seven-strand necklace, earrings, armlets, bangles, and a hair clip, reflecting Gupta-era jewellery and hairstyles.
Historical Significance
It is the oldest known 'nayika' statue in Madhya Pradesh, predating the Kalachuri-era 'Lady of Gyaraspur'.
Background
The Gupta period (c. 4th-6th century CE) is often called the 'Golden Age' of India for its achievements in art, architecture, and literature. Nachna in Panna district is already known for the 5th-century Chaumukhnath Temple, a key example of Gupta-era architecture. The discovery of this statue adds a new dimension to understanding Gupta-era sculpture and the role of women in that society.
Key Analysis and Impact
This statue is unique because it shows a woman in the act of adorning herself, not just a static figure. The presence of a hair clip, a seven-strand necklace, earrings, armlets, and bangles provides direct archaeological evidence of Gupta-era fashion and jewellery. This is the first such 'nayika' statue found in Madhya Pradesh, making it a significant addition to the state's Gupta-era heritage.
Way Forward
The statue is currently in safe storage and will be displayed in a museum. This discovery may prompt further excavations in the Nachna region and could lead to a reassessment of Gupta-era sculpture in central India. For exam aspirants, this is a key addition to Madhya Pradesh's cultural and historical GK.
Lady of Nachna vs Lady of Gyaraspur
| Feature | Lady of Nachna | Lady of Gyaraspur |
|---|---|---|
| Period | Gupta (1,500 years old) | Kalachuri (1,000 years old) |
| Location | Nachna, Panna district | Gyaraspur, Madhya Pradesh |
| Pose | Adorning herself | With a parrot on shoulder (shuka nayika) |
Madhya Pradesh connection
Matters for these Madhya Pradesh exams:MPPSC 8/10MPESB 7/10
Background GK
Textbook concepts you need to understand this news
- Gupta Period (Golden Age)
- A period from the 4th to 6th century CE marked by major advancements in art, architecture, science, and literature. It is known for the 'Golden Age' of India, with achievements like the works of Kalidasa, the Ajanta caves, and the development of the decimal system.
- Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
- The premier organization under the Ministry of Culture responsible for archaeological research and conservation of cultural monuments in India. It was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham.
- Nayika Statue
- A statue of a heroine or a beautiful woman, often depicted in a graceful pose or engaged in a daily activity. In Indian art, nayika figures are common in temple sculpture and literature.
Facts to remember
Tap a card to see the answer. Try to recall it first.
How exams will ask this
- Data: 1,500 years, 20 cm, grey sandstone, Panna district (Madhya Pradesh)
- Nodal Body: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
Don't make this mistake!
They might confuse the 'Lady of Nachna' (Gupta period, 1,500 years old) with the 'Lady of Gyaraspur' (Kalachuri period, 1,000 years old). Also, they may swap the material (grey sandstone vs. other stone) or the location (Panna vs. Gyaraspur).
Write these in mains answers
- Gupta art and architecture, Nayika sculpture, ASI excavations, Madhya Pradesh heritage
Stuck? Get it in one tap
The Archaeological Survey of India found a small statue in Panna, Madhya Pradesh. It is 1,500 years old and shows a woman getting ready, with a necklace, earrings, bangles, and a clip in her hair. This statue is important because it is the first of its kind found in Madhya Pradesh and tells us how women dressed and styled their hair during the Gupta period.
- The 'Lady of Nachna' is a 1,500-year-old statue discovered by ASI in Panna, Madhya Pradesh.
- The statue is made of grey sandstone and is 20 cm tall.
- It shows a woman with a seven-strand necklace, earrings, armlets, bangles, and a hair clip.
- It belongs to the Gupta period (c. 4th-6th century CE).
- It is the oldest known 'nayika' statue in Madhya Pradesh.
- History: Gupta period art and architecture
- Art and Culture: Indian sculpture and iconography
Related concepts: Gupta Period (Golden Age), Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Nayika Statue
Practice questions
Pick an answer, then read the explanation.
- Q1Easy
Which organization discovered the 1,500-year-old 'Lady of Nachna' statue in Madhya Pradesh?
Explanation: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for archaeological excavations and discoveries in India. The Ministry of Culture oversees ASI but is not the discovering body. The state archaeology department and the National Museum Institute were not involved in this discovery.
- Q2Hard
Consider the following statements regarding the 'Lady of Nachna' statue:
- 1.It is a 1,500-year-old statue from the Gupta period.
- 2.It is made of grey sandstone and is 20 cm tall.
- 3.It is the oldest known 'nayika' statue in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: the statue is from the Gupta period (1,500 years old). Statement 2 is correct: it is made of grey sandstone and is 20 cm tall. Statement 3 is incorrect: it is the oldest known 'nayika' statue in Madhya Pradesh, not in all of India.
- Q3Medium
What is the height of the 'Lady of Nachna' statue?
Explanation: The statue is about 20 cm tall.
- Q4Medium
What is the primary significance of the 'Lady of Nachna' statue for historians?
Explanation: This is the first statue in Madhya Pradesh depicting a woman in the act of adorning herself. While it does show jewellery, that is not its primary significance. It is not the oldest statue in India, and Gupta-era sculpture used various materials.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the 'Lady of Nachna' statue?
It is a 1,500-year-old statue of a woman adorning herself, discovered by the Archaeological Survey of India in Nachna, Panna district, Madhya Pradesh.
2. Which period does the 'Lady of Nachna' statue belong to?
The statue belongs to the Gupta period (c. 4th-6th century CE), often called the Golden Age of India.
3. What jewellery is shown on the 'Lady of Nachna' statue?
The statue shows a seven-strand necklace, earrings, armlets, bangles, and a hair clip.
4. How tall is the 'Lady of Nachna' statue and what is it made of?
The statue is about 20 cm tall and is made of grey sandstone.
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- Original7 November 2026 · Read story
