The Mauryan Empire was very vast. The various rulers of the Shungas, Kanvas, Kushanas, and Guptas in the north and central parts of India; the Shathavahanas, Ikshavakus, Abhiras, Vatakas in southern and western parts of India started to establish their control over the Mauryan Dynasty from the second century BC onwards. Candidates can read other NCERT Notes on Art and Culture India to prepare for UPSC IAS Prelims and Mains exam.

During this period some of the finest sculptures of India took their form. Some of these finest sculptures can be found at Vidisha, Bharhut (Madhya Pradesh), Bodhgaya (Bihar), Jaggayyapeta (Andhra Pradesh), Mathura (Uttar Pradesh), Khandagiri-Udayagiri (Odisha).

Some important sculptures are-

• Seated Buddha, Katra Mound, Mathura
• Seated Buddha, Sarnath
• Buddha Head, Taxila
• Padmapani Bodhisattva, Ajanta
• Mara Vijaya, Ajanta
• Maheshmurti, Elephanta

Post Mauryan Trends: Seated Buddha, Katra Mound, Mathura

• The Seated Buddha Sculpture Portrays the Buddha as a traditional yogi, dressed as a monk, and sitting on a lion throne.
• The Seated Buddha Sculpture originated in the 2nd century AD, at Katra Mound, Mathura which is now in Uttar Pradesh.

• The sculptures of this period have a light-weight and fleshy body. His cheeks are also rounded and fleshy.
• The dress or the Sanghati covers only the left shoulder.
• Buddha is seated in Padmasana (cross-folded legs) with his Right hand in Abhaya Mudra (raised above the shoulder) and left hand on the left thigh.
• His hair knot or Ushanisha is raised vertically.
• Buddha is accompanied by two Bodhisattva attendants, Bodhisattva Padmapani (holding a lotus) and Vajrapani (holding a thunderbolt)
• Two flying figures can also be found diagonally above the halo of the sculpture.
• The halo has geometric motifs carved on them.
• This sculpture is important to identify the development of Buddha’s image in the later period.

Post Mauryan Trends: Seated Buddha, Sarnath

• This Seated Buddha Sculpture originated in the 5th century AD at Sarnath and is a fine example of the features of Sarnath traditions.
• It was made using Chunar Sandstone.
• Buddha here is seated in Padmasana. The face is round though the cheeks are less rounded than that of the Kushana period, the eyes are half-closed, and the lower lip is protruding.
• The robe is clinging to the body.
• The Ushanisha is vertically raised and has curled and circular hairs.
• In this sculpture, the body of the Buddha is slender and elongated with delicate and rhythmic outlines.
• Buddha’s hands are in Dhammachackrapravartana mudra and placed on the chest.
• The panel below the throne also represents Dhammachackrapravartana.

• The panel at the back of the throne has a deer on each side and a chakra in the centre.
• The chakra at the back of the throne is richly decorated with the carving of creepers and flowers.
• There is no carving on the halo, it is plain.

Post Mauryan Trends: Buddha Head, Taxila

• The Buddha Head is a sculpture that originated in the 2nd century AD during the Kushana Period, at Taxila in the Gandhara region which is now in Pakistan.
• The Gandhara Sculptures reflect heaviness and carry influences of Parthian, Acamenian, and Bactrian traditions along with the local ones.
• The Buddha Head Sculpture has a combination of Greco-Roman and Hellenistic elements. It has a smooth surface and a sharp outline.
• This sculpture represents an expressive face with a calm expression.
• The Buddha in this sculpture has thick curly hair, elongated ears and earlobes, a big forehead plane, and half-closed eyes with protruding eyeballs.
• Other sculptures portray rotund faces and cheeks, unlike this one.

Post Mauryan Trends: Padmapani Bodhisattva, Ajanta

• The Padmapani Bodhisattva is the painting of Bodhisattva holding a Padma (Lotus).
• It originated in the late 5th century AD and is located in Ajanta Cave no.1 where the paintings are better preserved than other caves.
• The 3 bends in the body create an impression of movement. The soft outlines merge with the body and create a 3D effect.
• Bodhisattva in the image holds a lotus in the left hand, and the right hand is extended into space. It has enlarged eyes that are half-closed, a broad shoulder, a sharp and straight nose, and a small chin.
• The image has a beaded necklace and a spiralled thread over the body adorned by Bodhisattva.
• Light red, green, brown, and blue are the colours used in the painting of Bodhisattva and the small figures that surround it.

Post Mauryan Trends: Mara Vijaya, Ajanta

• Mara Vijaya is the sculpture located in Cave No. 26 of Ajanta Caves.
• It is the only sculpture in the caves and contains the theme of the paintings.
• Here, Buddha sits in Padmasana and is surrounded by Mara’s army and his daughter.
• The sculpture represents the agitation of mind that the Buddha underwent during the enlightenment.
• Mara here represents desire.
• The right hand of the Buddha in the sculpture is pointing towards the earth as a symbol of his generosity.
• The whole sculpture contains images of high volume.

Post Mauryan Trends: Maheshmurti, Elephanta

• Maheshmurti is a sculpture that originated in the early 6th century AD and is located in the main cave of Elephanta Caves.
• It is the best example of rock-cut sculpture in the western Deccan traditions.
• Maheshmurti is a large image and has three heads. The central head is of lord Shiva, the other two heads are of Bhairava and Uma.
• The central head is round and has thick lips and heavy eyelids. The face of Bhairava expresses anger with bulging eyelids and a moustache. The face of Uma has feminine features.
• The sculptures in Elephanta caves have a smooth surface, elongated features, and rhythmic movements.

• The sculpture represents the five integrated faces of Shiva in one of the Shilpa texts of which the top and the back heads are invisible.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which school of art emerged during the Kushan period in India?

A) Gandhara School

B) Gupta School

C) Mauryan School

D) Pala School

2. Which of the following is an example of post-Mauryan Buddhist architecture?

A) Sanchi Stupa

B) Sun Temple at Konark

C) Brihadeeswarar Temple

D) Kailasa Temple

3. What is the characteristic feature of Gupta period sculpture?

A) Realism

B) Idealized form

C) Abstract art

D) Gothic style

4. Which region in India is most famous for post-Mauryan rock-cut caves?

A) Western India

B) Southern India

C) Eastern India

D) Northern India

5. Which of the following dynasties supported the construction of the famous Amaravati Stupa?

A) Mauryas

B) Satavahanas

C) Kushans

D) Guptas

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Analyze the influence of foreign cultures on Indian art and architecture after the Mauryan period.

Answer: After the Mauryan period, Indian art and architecture underwent a transformation influenced by foreign cultures, particularly through the Indo-Greek, Kushan, and Central Asian invasions. The Kushan rulers, for instance, introduced Greco-Roman elements into Indian sculpture, especially in the Gandhara school of art. These influences are visible in the realistic and detailed depictions of human forms and the incorporation of Hellenistic designs. The Satavahanas, on the other hand, embraced Buddhist art and architecture, fostering the development of stupas and rock-cut caves in Western India, which also showcased foreign stylistic elements. Despite foreign influences, these interactions were absorbed into Indian traditions, contributing to a distinctive regional artistic identity.

Q2: Discuss the significance of the Gupta period in the evolution of Indian art and architecture.

Answer: The Gupta period is considered the Golden Age of Indian art and architecture, marked by the development of classical Indian artistic forms. The period saw the rise of iconic temple architecture, with intricate carvings and sculptures that became the hallmark of Hindu religious art. The Gupta rulers also patronized Buddhist and Jain art, as evidenced by the famous Ajanta and Ellora cave paintings. The period is noted for its refined sculpture, which portrayed deities in idealized forms, and the construction of enduring architectural monuments that emphasized symmetry, grandeur, and spiritual significance. Gupta art set the standards for future generations, influencing the development of temple architecture and iconography across India.

Q3: What were the key architectural features of post-Mauryan art that influenced later periods?

Answer: Post-Mauryan architecture saw the emergence of several key features that influenced later periods. The use of rock-cut architecture became prominent, particularly for Buddhist stupas and Jain temples, as seen in the Ajanta and Ellora caves. Stupas with elaborate carvings, gateways (toranas), and sculptures of deities were common. The post-Mauryan era also saw the development of large temples, particularly in the Gupta period, where the temple architecture became more refined, and the use of stone as a building material was increasingly prevalent. These architectural elements laid the foundation for the grandeur of later medieval Indian temples and continued to influence the evolution of Hindu and Buddhist architecture.

Previous Year Questions on Post Mauryan Trends in Indian Art and Architecture

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2022

Question: Which of the following is a characteristic feature of post-Mauryan sculpture?

A) Idealization of human forms
B) Depiction of historical events
C) Use of metal as the primary material
D) Increased use of naturalistic forms

2. UPSC CSE Prelims 2021

Question: The Amaravati Stupa is a significant example of architecture from which period?

A) Mauryan period
B) Gupta period
C) Satavahana period
D) Kushan period

To get more information and study materials on Art, Literature, Architecture And Culture for UPSC IAS Prelims and Mains exam, candidates can check NCERT Art and Culture Notes right here.