Overview of Mauryan Art

Overview

This lecture focused on the art, sculpture, architecture of the Mauryan period, its major examples, and their religious-social significance.

Historical Context of the Mauryan Period

• The Mauryan Empire was established in the 4th to 3rd century BCE.
• The Magadha Empire became very powerful; iron usage increased during this period.
• The rise of Buddhism and Jainism opposed the caste and class system.
• Emperor Ashoka patronized Buddhism.

Religious and Social Movements

• Buddhism and Jainism emerged from the Shramana tradition.
• Worship of Yaksha, Yakshini, Mother Goddesses, etc. continued.
• Buddhist-Jain religious sites like stupas, viharas, and chaityas were built.

Architecture and Sculpture

• The tradition of pillar, rock-cut caves, and stupa construction developed during this period.
• Inscriptions and edicts are engraved on pillars built by Ashoka.
• The Lion Capital of Sarnath is India's national emblem, featuring 4 lions, a 24-spoked wheel, and other animals.
• Major examples include Lomas Rishi Cave, the elephant of Dhauli, and Didarganj Yakshini.

Major Art Forms

• Rock-cut pillars: made by carving a single stone.
• Stupa: religious monuments built over Buddha's relics; Vihara: residence of monks.
• Yaksha-Yakshini sculptures: polished surface, rounded shape, standing independently.
• Early Buddhist art depicted Buddha symbolically (footprints, wheel) rather than directly.

Examples of Mauryan Sites

• Sarnath (Lion Capital), Sanchi (Great Stupa), Vidisha, Didarganj (Yakshini), Patna, Dhauli (Elephant).
• Lomas Rishi Cave: chaitya arch, elephant frieze, rectangular hall.
• Circumambulatory paths, railings, and gateways around stupas.

Buddhist Art and Stories

• Four main events related to Buddha's life: birth, renunciation, enlightenment, first sermon.
• Jataka tales, stories of Buddha's previous births, depicted in sculpture.
• Various stories illustrated around temples and stupas.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Mauryan Period — Indian historical period from 4th to 2nd century BCE.
• Shramana Tradition — Reformist religious movements like Buddhism and Jainism.
• Stupa — Hemispherical monument built over Buddha's relics.
• Vihara — Residence of Buddhist monks.
• Chaitya — Meditation and worship place.
• Lion Capital — Statue of four lions at Sarnath, national emblem.
• Jataka — Stories of Buddha's previous births.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Study the next lesson (Post-Mauryan Art).
• Write and prepare answers for practice questions: Features of Mauryan art, significance of stupas, symbolism in Buddhist art.