Consider the following statements about the use of stirrup in India :

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1

(b) 2

(c) 3

(d) Nil

Answer: (c) 3

Explanation:

Statement 1

The Konark horse sculpture (c. 1250) shows a ring-stirrup.
✅ Correct
The Konark Sun Temple sculptures depict horses with ring-shaped stirrups, indicating the continued use of early stirrup forms in eastern India during the 13th century.

Statement 2

A broad, probably wooden, stirrup appears in Khajuraho sculptures (tenth century).
✅ Correct
Khajuraho sculptures from the 10th century clearly show broad stirrups, likely made of wood or padded material, suggesting an evolution from ring-stirrups to more stable foot supports.

Statement 3

The iron-stirrup was used in the Delhi Sultanate armies from the thirteenth century onwards.
✅ Correct
Historical and archaeological evidence indicates that iron stirrups became common in the Delhi Sultanate armies, improving cavalry effectiveness from the 13th century onward.

Answer: (c) 3