Q 1:“Early Buddhist Stupa-Art while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate.”

There are two types of Stupa architecture

1. Built up and
2. Rock cut(Chatitya)

Stupa was one of the main feature of propagating and establishing Buddhism. It survived the Hinayana, Mahayana split and emerged as an important symbolism expounding Buddhist ideals.

The Stupa symbolize the Buddhist teachings and epitomize their characteristics

• Toranga: There are placed East, West, North and South and contain the motifs and stories(Jatakas) of Buddha’s life and other events. They help the individual to get into the mindset of meditation.

• Cirucm ambulatory path : They are in the shape of symbolizing the earth’s revolution around the sun.
• Anda: The hemispherical dome as been adapted from the infinite dome of heaven modal which symbolized a connection with the eternal.
• Garbagriha: The relics of some sacred Sadhu or Nun is preserved in this place inside the Stupa
• Harmika: It is atop the Andha and its sacrificial altar type structure denotes that one should let go of this worldly things to attain to the higher stage.
• Chatri: The three Chatris in Sanchi are said to represent the three most important things of Buddhism
1. Buddha
2. Dhamma
3. Sangha

Thus the Stupa’s while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expound Buddhist ideals. 

• References 
• INDIAN ART AND CULTURE  BY NITIN SINGHANIA