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NCERT Class 11 Fine Art Chapter 3 Art of the Mauryan Period
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Art of the Mauryan Period
Chapter: 3
| EXERCISE |
1. Do you think that the art of making sculptures in India began during the Mauryan period?
Ans: Yes, the art of making sculptures in India gained prominence during the Mauryan period (circa 3rd century BCE). The Mauryan rulers, particularly Emperor Ashoka, encouraged the development of sculpture as a means of spreading Buddhist teachings. Stone pillars were erected all over the MauryanEmpire. The uppermost elements of a pillar or column is known a capital. The top portion of the pillar was carved with figures like a bull, lion, elephant, etc. All the capital figures (usually animals) are vigorous and carved standing on a square or circular abacus. The period witnessed the creation of significant stone sculptures, such as the famous Ashokan pillars with intricate carvings and inscriptions. The Lion Capital of Ashoka, now the national emblem of India, is an iconic example of Mauryan sculpture.
Mauryan art and architecture flourished between 4th and 2nd century. The dynasty lasted from 322 BCE to 185 BCE. Art and Architecture of Mauryan Empire was characterized by the construction of pillars, stupas, and viharas. The pillars were made of sandstone. Two of the most famous sculptures of the Mauryan period are those of Yaksha and Yakshi. They were objects of worship related to all three religions – Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism
2. What was the significance of the stupa and how did stupa architecture develop?
Ans: The stupa, a Buddhist architectural structure, holds great significance as a site of meditation, veneration, and preservation of relics of the Buddha or enlightened monks. Initially, stupas were simple burial mounds, but during the Mauryan period, they evolved into elaborate structures. Stupa Architecture consists of sculptures of promptly saint figures on pillars and caves of early centuries. The most notable early stupa was at Sanchi, with a hemispherical dome symbolizing the Buddha’s life and teachings. Over time, stupa architecture developed with the addition of intricate gateways (toranas) adorned with reliefs depicting scenes from the Buddha’s life, and the structure became a focal point for Buddhist worship. Stupas continued to evolve into more grand and symbolic forms, reflecting the growing influence of Buddhism. A stupa is a fundamental Buddhist structure serving to house relics and facilitate spiritual practices. Its design includes components like the treasury, yasti, and chattras, embodying rich symbolism. Stupas also evolved into various architectural forms, reflecting cultural influences across different regions. They are symbolic to Buddhism. For the second part of the question, they were developed by skilled artisans of the era and symbolized the saints and the preaching. Buddhist stupas were originally built to house the earthly remains of the historical Buddha and his associates and are almost invariably found at sites sacred to Buddhism. The concept of a relic was afterward extended to include sacred texts.
3. Which were the four events in the life of the Buddha which have been depicted in different forms of Buddhist art? What did these events symbolise?
Ans: The four key events in the life of Buddha, depicted in various forms of Buddhist art, are:
(i) The Birth of the Buddha: The Gautama Buddha was born to Suddhodana (chief of republican Sakya clan) as Siddhartha in 563 BCE on Vaishakha Poornima day at Lumbini (Nepal) Often shown through the symbol of a lotus flower emerging from a pond, this event signifies purity and spiritual awakening. It symbolizes the Buddha’s extraordinary nature from birth. He lost his mother (Mahamaya) just a few days after his birth and was brought up by his stepmother Gautami.
(ii) The Enlightenment (Bodhi Tree): Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment (bodhi) while meditating underneath a Ficus religiosa. Depicted with Buddha meditating under the Bodhi tree, this event symbolizes the moment of enlightenment when Buddha achieved deep spiritual insight and understanding of the nature of suffering and the path to liberation. A shrine called Animisalocana cetiya, was later erected on the spot where he sat.
(iii) The First Sermon at Sarnath: This event, shown with Buddha giving his first sermon to his five disciples, symbolizes the teaching of the “Dharma” (the path to enlightenment) and the establishment of the Buddhist Sangha (community) and he preached to them a sermon, a sermon about the Middle Way—that is, about moderation; about the Eightfold Path, as he called it, of noble truth, the cessation of suffering, and the list goes on though the remaining six, at Sarnath.
(iv) The Parinirvana (Death and Final Nirvana): Parinirvana occurs upon the death of the body of someone who has attained nirvana during their lifetime. Depicted with the Buddha lying on his side, symbolizing his passing away into nirvana. It represents the final liberation from the cycle of birth and death, marking the ultimate freedom from suffering. The death of the Buddha, or Mahaparinirvana, Gandhara 2-3rd century.
4. What are the Jatakas? How do the Jatakas relate to Buddhism? Find out.
Ans: The Jatakas are an important part of Buddhist art and literature. They describe the previous existences or births of the Buddha (the Enlightened One) when he appeared as Bodhisattvas (beings who are yet to attain enlightenment or moksha), in both human and non-human forms. The Jātaka tales are a voluminous body of literature native to India concerning the previous births of Gautama Buddha. Jataka tales are not only important from narrating the life of Buddha but also became an important part for sculptural decorations purposes.
The Jatakas are an important part of Buddhist art and literature. They describe the previous existences or births of the Buddha (the Enlightened One) when he appeared as Bodhisattvas (beings who are yet to attain enlightenment or moksha), in both human and non-human forms. These tales are essential to Buddhism as they embody the core values of compassion, self-sacrifice, wisdom, and morality. Each story highlights how the Buddha, in various forms, practiced virtues such as kindness, courage, and generosity, which ultimately led to his enlightenment. The Jatakas serve as a moral guide for Buddhists, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct and the path of righteousness, reinforcing the teachings of the Buddha.
