Main features of Mauryan Art

In this Article we will Discuss the Main features of Mauryan Art. Additionaly we will see that what is Mauryan Art.

Mauryan Art is the art and architecture that flourished during the Maurya Empire, which existed from around 322 BCE to 185 BCE. The Mauryan period is considered one of the most important phases in Indian history, and its art reflects the grandeur and power of the Mauryan Empire. This style is particularly known for its religious significance and large-scale public works, many of which were influenced by the emperor Ashoka, one of the most prominent rulers of the time. Mauryan art is best known for its sculptures, pillars, and stupas, which were designed to represent Buddhist teachings, royal authority, and social values.

Main features of Mauryan Art

Let’s look at the main features of Mauryan art.

1. Mauryan Pillars

One of the most famous contributions of Mauryan art is the Mauryan pillars. These pillars were large, tall stone columns, often made of polished sandstone. They were placed in important places, such as at temples, stupas, or by roadsides, and they were meant to communicate important messages, such as royal decrees, laws, and religious teachings.

The Ashokan pillars are the most famous of these. Emperor Ashoka ordered the construction of several pillars across his empire, inscribed with his edicts (laws and moral teachings). These pillars were carved with beautiful animal figures like lions (often on top of the pillars) and elephants, representing power and strength. One of the most well-known pillars is the Lion Pillar at Sarnath, which shows a lion standing on a wheel, which became an important symbol of Buddhism and is part of the Indian national emblem today.

The main feature of these pillars was their smooth finish and elegant carvings, which showed the skill of the Mauryan sculptors. The inscriptions on the pillars were written in different languages, like Prakrit, and they often contained the moral teachings of Buddhism, as well as Ashoka’s efforts to promote peace and non-violence.

2. Stupas and Religious Architecture

During the Mauryan period, the construction of stupas (dome-shaped structures that housed Buddhist relics) became widespread. The most famous Mauryan stupa is the Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh, which was built during Ashoka’s reign. Stupas were important places of worship for Buddhists and were meant to symbolize the Buddha’s presence and his teachings.

The Sanchi Stupa is surrounded by a stone railing with beautifully carved reliefs and scenes from the life of the Buddha. These carvings were meant to tell stories to people, many of whom could not read. The toranas (gateway arches) at the entrances to the stupa are particularly important, decorated with sculptures that show scenes from the Buddha’s life and various Buddhist symbols. These reliefs are simple but very expressive, showing both human figures and animals.

The design of Mauryan stupas was based on the idea of symbolizing the path to enlightenment. The dome represented the universe, and the railings and gateways represented the spiritual journey. The Mauryan style of stupa architecture became very influential and was later adopted in other parts of India.

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3. Mauryan Sculptures

Mauryan sculptures are mainly known for their realistic and lifelike portrayal of human and animal figures. The statues of the Buddha from this period are significant because they show the Buddha as a human figure for the first time. Earlier, the Buddha was represented symbolically, but during the Mauryan period, artists began to depict him with human features, like a calm, serene face and a posture of meditation.

Another important feature of Mauryan sculptures is the use of smooth and polished stone. The Mauryan artisans were skilled in working with sandstone, which allowed them to carve fine details and give the sculptures a smooth, finished appearance. The figures were often portrayed with strength and dignity, reflecting the power of the emperor and the spiritual significance of the sculptures.

4. Use of Stone and Polishing Techniques

One of the most remarkable features of Mauryan art is its use of polished stone. The sculptures, especially the pillars, were made from high-quality sandstone, which was carefully polished to give the surface a smooth, shiny finish. This smoothness gave the sculptures an elegant and refined appearance. The skill of the artisans in creating smooth surfaces and detailed carvings was a notable achievement of Mauryan art.

The polishing of stone was not just for beauty, but it also helped to preserve the sculptures over time. Many of the Mauryan pillars and sculptures have survived for over two thousand years, thanks to the durability of the materials and the careful techniques used by the artists.

5. Iconography and Symbolism

Mauryan art is rich in symbolism. Many of the sculptures and carvings are filled with deep religious meanings. For example, the wheel (Dharma Chakra) is a symbol of the Buddha’s teachings and the path to enlightenment. The lotus flower symbolizes purity and spiritual growth. The elephant and the lion are symbols of strength and power and were often used in the carvings on pillars and stupas.

Mauryan art also reflects the Buddhist principle of non-violence and peace, which was promoted by Emperor Ashoka after his conversion to Buddhism. His edicts, carved on the pillars, emphasize the importance of compassion and moral conduct, marking a shift in royal policies towards non-violence and respect for all living beings.

6. Ashoka’s Influence on Art

Emperor Ashoka played a central role in the development of Mauryan art. After his conversion to Buddhism, Ashoka promoted peace, non-violence, and the spread of Buddhism. He ordered the creation of many pillars and edicts that carried his moral and religious teachings. Ashoka also supported the construction of stupas, which became places of worship and spiritual learning for Buddhists.

Ashoka’s influence can be seen in the simplicity and serenity of Mauryan art. The art from his time focuses on spirituality, peace, and the promotion of moral values, reflecting the emperor’s commitment to these ideals.

7. Enduring Legacy of Mauryan Art

Mauryan art had a long-lasting impact on Indian culture and art. The pillars and stupas built during this time influenced later Buddhist architecture, and the symbolism and iconography used in Mauryan art continued to be important in later periods of Indian art. The polished stone technique and realistic depiction of figures were also important contributions to the development of Indian sculpture.

The Mauryan style is considered the foundation of later Indian art, especially in the Buddhist tradition. It helped shape the art of the Gupta period, which is known for its classical style of sculpture and painting. The legacy of Mauryan art can still be seen today in the iconography, sculptures, and architectural designs that continue to be part of India’s rich cultural heritage.

Conclusion

Mauryan art represents an important phase in the history of Indian art, especially in terms of its religious themes and the promotion of Buddhist principles. The pillars, stupas, and sculptures from this period reflect the power and moral vision of the Mauryan Empire, especially under the rule of Emperor Ashoka. The realistic representationof figures, the polished stone, and the symbolism found in these artworks set the foundation for the development of later Indian art. Mauryan art is not only beautiful but also deeply meaningful, as it conveys the spiritual and moral values that were central to the empire’s rulers.

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