70^th BPSC Mains

Approach / Explaination / Answer

Approach Briefly introduce the Mauryan art and architecture. Discuss the relationship of Mauryan art and architecture with Buddhism. Conclude suitably.

Introduction

Mauryan art (322–185 BCE) was a crucial phase in Indian history, marked by grand structures, intricate carvings, and a transition from wood to stone. It played a key role in Indian architectural evolution and the spread of Buddhism, particularly under Emperor Ashoka, who patronized polished sandstone pillars, stupas, rock-cut caves, and sculptures.

Body

Mauryan Palaces:

• Location & Purpose: Chandragupta Maurya built his palace in Pataliputra to reflect Mauryan grandeur. The remains, especially the assembly hall, showcase its vastness.
• Construction:
  • Primarily wooden, later expanded by Ashoka using stone.
  • Surrounded by wooden walls with arrow slits (as noted by Megasthenes).
• Architectural Features:
  • The assembly hall measured 140x120 feet.
  • The Eighty-Pillared Hall at Kumhrar had a wooden roof and monolithic stone pillars.
  • Inspired by Persian Achaemenid styles, combined with indigenous techniques.

Mauryan Pillars:

• Purpose & Significance: Built during Ashoka’s reign to promote Dhamma and mark key Buddhist sites.
• Key Features:
  • Made of polished Chunar sandstone with a mirror-like finish.
  • Decorated with lifelike animal figures symbolizing Buddhist principles.
• Structural Components:
  • Shaft: Single stone, slightly tapering.
  • Capital: Inverted lotus/bell shape.
  • Abacus: Platform with intricate animal carvings.
  • Animal Figure: Lions, bulls, elephants, or horses with symbolic meaning.
• Types:
  • Scripted Pillars: Inscribed with Ashoka’s edicts (e.g., Sarnath, Sanchi, Rampurva).
  • Plain Pillars: Non-inscribed, artistic markers (e.g., Basadh, Kosra).
• Notable Pillars:
  • Sarnath Pillar: Features four lions, now India's national emblem.
  • Rampurva Pillar: Depicts a bull in Lalit Mudra.
  • Lauriya Nandangarh Pillar: Contains Ashokan inscriptions on Dhamma.

Mauryan Stupas:

• Definition & Purpose: Stupas are Buddhist burial mounds preserving relics and promoting Buddha’s teachings.
• Key Features:
  • Torana: Decorated gateways with Jataka tales.
  • Vedika: Protective stone railing.
  • Pradakshina Path: Circumambulatory pathway.
  • Anda: Hemispherical dome symbolizing the universe.
  • Harmika: Box-like structure symbolizing heaven.
  • Chhatri: Three-tiered umbrella symbolizing Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.

• Famous Stupas:
  • Sanchi Stupa (MP): UNESCO site, initially built by Ashoka, expanded by Sungas.
  • Bharhut Stupa (MP): Early stone gateways with Buddhist inscriptions.
  • Dhamekh Stupa (Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh): Marks Buddha’s first sermon.

Mauryan Caves:

• Function: Served as viharas for Buddhist and Ajivika monks, India’s earliest rock-cut structures.
• Main Locations: Barabar Hills and Nagarjuni Hills (Bihar).
• Notable Caves:
  • Barabar Hills: Lomas Rishi, Sudama, Viswamitra, Karna Chopar.
    • They have inscriptions by Ashoka
  • Nagarjuni Hills: Vahiyaka, Gopika, Vadathika.
    • They have inscriptions by Dasaratha.
• Distinct Features:
  • Highly polished walls mimicking wooden structures.

Mauryan Folk Art:

• Pottery:
  • Used for functional and decorative purposes.
  • Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW): Shiny black finish, common in Pataliputra.
  • Painted Grey Ware: Black-and-red designs.
• Sculpture:
  • Made of brown sandstone, with polished, lifelike detailing.
  • Religious Influence:
    • Yaksha-Yakshini Statues: Guardian deities.
    • Jain Tirthankars: Found in Patna.

Relationship of Mauryan Art with Buddhism:

• Ashokan Pillars: Located at key Buddhist sites like Lumbini and Sarnath, spreading messages of morality, non-violence, and compassion.
• Stupas: Built on a large scale, housing Buddha’s relics and serving as centers of devotion.
• Rock-Cut Caves: Provided monastic shelters for Buddhist and Ajivika monks, with highly polished interiors.
• Artistic Depictions:
  • Jataka tales carved on stupas and caves, making Buddhist teachings accessible to the masses.

Conclusion

Mauryan art and architecture marked a golden era in India’s cultural history. Its structures, sculptures, and urban planning set foundations for future architectural advancements. Its legacy continues to inspire and educate on India’s socio-political and religious past.