One app for all your study abroad needs
After the decline of the Mauryan empire in the second century BC, various rulers controlled the regions. This period also saw the rise of Brahmanical sects such as the Shaivas and Vaishnavas. In this section, we’ll talk about post-Mauryan trends in Indian art and architecture. This would help students learn their history and the importance of art and culture in India.
Following the end of the Mauryan period, various empires emerged, including the Shungas, Kanvas, Kushanas, and Guptas in northern and central India, and the Satavahanas, Ikshavakus, Abhiras, and Vatakas in southern and western India. This time period saw some of the best examples of art and architecture. Different empires had their own artistic and architectural styles.
Table of Contents
Art of Post-Mauryan India
The art of Post-Mauryan India saw various sculptures, paintings and crafts that significantly showed the cultural effect of various dynasties.
Shunga and Satavahana Periods
The Shunga Dynasty (c. 185-73 BCE) witnessed the advancement of Mauryan art forms.
- Sculptures became more ornate, with more focus on decorative details.
- Examples are the railings and doorways of the Bharhut and Sanchi stupas.
- The Satvahanas Period highlighted Buddhist art, with famous works like the Amaravati Stupa and the Nagarjunakonda sculptures.
Also Read: Post Mauryan Period: Kingdoms, Cultures & Administration
Kushana Period
The Gandhara and Mathura schools of art flourished throughout the Kushana Period (c. 1st-3rd century CE).
- Gandhara Art was influenced by Greco-Roman forms, which depict realistic human figures dressed in clothing with facial emotions.
- This art can be seen in Buddha statues with Hellenistic characteristics.
- Mathura art focuses on human forms and red sandstone sculptures.
- This art is known for its representations of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain deities.
Terracotta Art and Painting
Terracotta art is an important aspect of artwork, as shown by paintings such as Ajanta.
- Terracotta art focuses on details and expressions.
- It covers religious themes, scenes from everyday life, and nature.
- Mural paintings were popular during that time and may be found on the walls of the Ajanta Caves, using advanced techniques and vivid storytelling.
Architecture of Post-Mauryan India
The post-Mauryan architecture depicts temples and monuments from a particular dynasty, each with its own distinctive features.
Stupas
Stupas are mound-like structures designed for meditation.
- During the post-Mauryan era, stupas grew in size and ornamentation.
- Notable stupas include the Great Stupa of Sanchi and the Stupa of Amaravati.
- These stupas had intricate carvings, gates, and railings.
Rock-cut Architecture
Temples are primarily built using the rock-cut building style.
- Chaitya Halls are known for their rock-cut prayer halls and roofs. Examples include Karle Chaitya and the Bhaja Caves.
- Viharas, where monks used to live, were also built in the same rock-cut architecture.
- They frequently featured courtyards and social spaces, such as the viharas of Ajanta and Ellora.
Also Read: Pandya Dynasty: History, Rulers, Contributions
Temples
Temples were important examples of architecture since they showcased many designs and layouts for sculptures and carving.
- The post-Mauryan period saw the emergence of free-standing temples.
- These temples were simpler than those in later periods.
- The early structural temples were usually tiny and square, with flat roofs.
Regional Styles of Post-Mauryan Art and Architecture
Post-Mauryan art and architecture are inspired by regional dynasties.
- Andhra art is well-known for its complex and detailed sculptures.
- It focuses on decorating stupas and railings.
- The art here is dynamic and narrative, such as Ajanata’s paintings of Buddhist and Jataka tales.
- Numerous rock-cut caves in Maharashtra, such as the Nasik Caves and the Bedsa Caves, have complex exterior and interior sculptures that showcase the art of the Western region.
Themes of Art and Architecture of Post-Mauryan India
Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain art were used to create the themes and iconography of the post-Maueryan era.
- Buddhist art remained dominant, with stupas, chaityas, and viharas. The visuals improved as they represented scenes from Buddha’s life.
- Hindu art contains depictions of Hindu deities such as Vishnu, Shiva, and other goddesses.
- Jainism also experienced an increase in artistic depiction in locations where Jain Tirthankaras were frequently depicted.
In conclusion, the post-Mauryan period in Indian art and architecture saw important regional improvements. This time saw an increase in Buddhist art and architecture, as well as a development of Hindu and Jain iconography. Foreign artistic styles were influential, notably in the Gandhara region. The contributions of the Shunga, Satavahana, Kushana, and other regional kingdoms set the way for classical art styles to flourish during the Gupta period and beyond.
Related Posts
FAQs
Following the end of the Mauryan period, various empires emerged, including the Shungas, Kanvas, Kushanas, and Guptas in northern and central India, and the Satavahanas, Ikshavakus, Abhiras, and Vatakas in southern and western India.
This was the period following the decline of the Mauryan Empire, during which complex carvings, the development of the Gandhara and Mathura schools of art, and the construction of ornate Buddhist monasteries flourished. The art of post-Mauryan India included sculptures, paintings, and crafts that reflected the cultural impact of successive dynasties.
Early temples were the highest point of architectural development during the post-Mauryan period. This period saw the emergence of free-standing temples. These temples were simpler than those in the later period. The early structural temples were usually small and square, with flat roofs.
This was all about the “Post-Mauryan Trends in Indian Art and Architecture”. For more such informative blogs, check out our UPSCExams Section and Study Material Section, or you can learn more about us by visiting our Indian exams page.