Examine the major characteristic features of post-Mauryan art and architecture in India.

Q.10 Examine the major characteristic features of post-Mauryan art and architecture in India.

Ans:

Post-Mauryan art and architecture (2nd century BCE onwards) reflect the cultural and religious diversity of India under various dynasties like the Shungas, Satavahanas, Kushanas, and Guptas. This period saw the emergence of distinct schools of art, such as Mathura, Gandhara, and Sarnath, and the integration of Buddhist, Vaishnavite, and Shaivite themes.

Key Features of Post-Mauryan Art and Architecture

1. Diverse Patronage:
2. Art and architecture were influenced by multiple dynasties, including the Shungas, Satavahanas, Kushanas, and Guptas, leading to regional variations. Example: Bharhut (Shunga), Amaravati (Satavahana), and Mathura (Kushana) showcase distinct styles.
3. Buddhist Dominance:
4. Buddhist art flourished, with stupas, chaityas, and viharas being constructed. Sculptures depicted Buddha’s life, Jataka tales, and Yaksha-Yakshi figures. Example: Bharhut stupa reliefs narrate Buddhist stories with tilted perspectives and linearity.
5. Emergence of Buddha Images:
6. The first anthropomorphic representations of Buddha emerged in the Gandhara and Mathura schools. Example: Mathura Buddha images show seated figures on lion thrones with symbolic hand gestures (mudras) and auspicious marks.
7. Yaksha-Yakshi Tradition:
8. Early sculptures, like those at Bharhut and Mathura, were influenced by the Yaksha-Yakshi tradition, with bold, voluminous figures. Example: Yakshi figures from Bharhut are tall and carved in low relief, adhering to the picture plane.
9. Narrative Reliefs:
10. Sculptures often depicted narratives from Buddhist and Hindu traditions, with clarity and selective representation of main events. Example: Bharhut panels show Jataka tales with tilted perspectives for a three-dimensional effect.
11. Regional Schools of Art:
12. Mathura School: Known for sensual, round-faced figures with reduced heaviness and visible drapery. Integrated Vaishnavite and Shaivite themes. Example: Vishnu and Shiva images with ayudhas (weapons).
13. Gandhara School:
14. Influenced by Greco-Roman art, featuring realistic, Hellenistic-style Buddha images. Example: Buddha with wavy hair and draped in Greco-Roman robes.
15. Sarnath School:
16. Known for serene Buddha images with transparent drapery and minimal ornamentation. Example: Buddha with plain robes and simple halos.
17. Evolution of Sculptural Style:
18. Over time, sculptures became more refined, with reduced massiveness, transparent drapery, and increased dynamism in postures. Example: Gupta-period Buddha images show integrated drapery and refined softness.
19. Integration of Hindu Themes:
20. Vaishnavite and Shaivite themes gained prominence, with sculptures depicting Vishnu, Shiva, and their ayudhas. Example: Mathura sculptures of Vishnu with chakra and Shiva with trishul.
21. Architectural Innovations:
22. Stupas, chaityas, and viharas were constructed with intricate carvings and gateways (toranas). Example: Sanchi Stupa with its elaborately carved toranas.

Post-Mauryan art and architecture represent a dynamic period of cultural synthesis, marked by the emergence of Buddhist, Vaishnavite, and Shaivite themes. The evolution of regional schools like Mathura, Gandhara, and Sarnath, along with the refinement of sculptural techniques, laid the foundation for the golden age of Gupta art.

Source : NCERT Fine Arts Book : Chapter 4

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