Mauryans
Mauryans
Mauryans
The Mauryas
● The Mauryan period is an important period in the history of Indian art and architecture. The foundation of
Indian art was laid, which later reached their height during the golden age of The Guptas.
● Ashoka, the founder of Mauryan dynasty was the grandson of Emperor Chandragupta who ruled during
the 3rd century B.C. During his region the Mauryan Empire reached at its peak.
● Ashoka experienced a change of heart after the dreadful battle of Kalinga. He adopted Buddhism and
decided to spread the Buddha’s teachings of peace.
● Some of the finest example of Mauryan art is the famous Ashoka pillars. These pillars are marvels of art,
architecture as well as engineering. The pillars were made out of single stone which was cut, shaped
and polished. These pillars carry Ashoks’s message with Buddhist concept of morality, humanity and
dedication.
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● One of the finest examples of Mauryan sculpture built in 3rd century B.C.,
Located at Sarnath, near Varanasi.
● The capital, made of polished sandstone is more than 2 meters (7 ft) in
height. Currently, the pillar is in its original place but the capital is on
display at the Sarnath Museum.
● It was commissioned by Ashoka to commemorate the first sermon of the
Buddha or the Dharma chakra pravartana at Sarnath.
● Originally, the capital had five components:
1. The shaft (now broken into many parts)
2. A lotus base bell
3. A drum on the base bell with 4 animals proceeding clockwise (abacus)
4. Figures of 4 lions (capital)
5. The crowning part, a large wheel (this is also broken and displayed at the museum)
● The capital was adopted as the National Emblem of India after independence without the crowning
wheel and the lotus base.
● The four majestic lions are seated back-to-back on a circular abacus and facing four different directions-
East, West, North, and South have been shown as the guards of the country. They symbolize power,
courage, pride and confidence.
● The Abacus is supported by a bell-shaped inverted lotus base. Abacus has the depiction of a dhram
chakra (wheel of law) in all four directions and a bull, a horse, an elephant and a lion between every
chakra. Now, this symbol is used in the middle of the Indian National Flag with dark blue colour
Description-
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● It is a 64” (5 ft 4 inches) tall well proportioned, free standing sculpture carved out of single sandstone
with a polished surface.
● The chauri is held in the right hand shown with incised lines; whereas the left hand is broken.
● The image shows sophistication in the treatment of form and medium.
● Face has round, fleshy cheeks, while the neck is relatively small in proportions; the eyes, nose and
lips are sharp.
● She is adorned with jewels on the forehead, ear-ring, necklaces, bangles, girdle over loin cloth and
laces. The garments around the waist are draped elegantly with folds and pleats.
● The most remarkable feature is the calm and peaceful expression on her face. It is considered the
Monalisa of Indian art because of her mysterious half smile.
The most popular form of art we got from Kushan period and later in Gupta's period.
In Kushan dynasty, two schools of art had been developed, one in Gandhar near Peshawar, the first capital city
of Kushan that is called “Gandhar School of Arts”. In this school, the sculptures of Buddha and Bodhisattvas
were made on granite in ‘Roman Style of Art’ on the basis of Indian themes. But, surrounding Mathura, the
second capital city of Kushanas, the sculptures were engraved on easily available red sandstone. The Hindu
deities, Jain Tirthankaras and Buddha sculptures were made here in great numbers on the basis of local
traditions. It is known as ‘Mathura School of Arts’ or ‘Indian Style of Arts’.
Subject-Matter
Ghandhara School was also called as the Eclectic school because it had influences of Greco-Roman-Hellenistic
techniques. The Subject-matter was completely Buddhist, depicting image of Budha and legend’s life called
Jataka tales. Though the statues are Indian but style of making is Greek (Hellenistic).
Mathura school was also called the indigenous school because it’s evolved at its own native place. The Mathura
school drew inspiration from local folk deities and theme from day to day life.
In Mathura we mainly see works of three religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
Mathura art had very little influence of Greco-Roman.
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2
Seated Buddha, Katra Mound, Mathura
Subject-Matter
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Jain Tirthankara
Subject-Matter
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