Art & Culture (Cultural developments in Post Mauryan period) by Ashutosh Nath Jha

Model Answer

Question #1. The development in Art during the post Mauryan period was primarily with religious undertone. Substantiate. 10 marks (150 words)

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The post-Mauryan period in ancient India marked a significant transformation in artistic expressions, characterized prominently by a profound religious undertone. This era, spanning from the 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE, witnessed the consolidation and dissemination of various religious and philosophical traditions, most notably Buddhism and Jainism. The art of this period, evident in sculpture, architecture, and other forms, played a crucial role in propagating religious ideologies and fostering a cultural renaissance.

• One of the key features of post-Mauryan art was its association with Buddhism. The Mauryan Empire, under Ashoka, had embraced Buddhism, and this influence continued in the subsequent period.
• The creation of Buddhist stupas and monasteries gained prominence, reflecting the attempt to visually represent the teachings of Buddha. The Great Stupa at Sanchi is an exemplary manifestation of this trend. Elaborate carvings and sculptures adorned these structures, narrating the life and teachings of Buddha. The stupa became not only a religious monument but also a symbol of the Buddhist community.
• Narrative reliefs at Bharhut show how artisans used the pictorial language very effectively to communicate stories.
• In one such narrative, showing Queen Mayadevi’s (mother of Siddhartha Gautam) dream, a descending elephant is shown. The queen is shown reclining on the bed whereas an elephant is shown on the top heading towards the womb of Queen Mayadevi
• At Sanchi Stupa-, narratives get more elaborated; however, the depiction of the dream episode remains very simple showing the reclining image of the queen and the elephant at the top. 8. The historical narratives such as the siege of Kushinara, Buddha’s visit to Kapilavastu, visit of Ashoka to the Ramgrama Stupa are carved with considerable details.
• Jainism, another influential religious tradition of the time, also left its imprint on the artistic landscape. Jain temples, particularly in regions like Gujarat and Rajasthan, showcased intricate carvings and sculptures. These depicted Tirthankaras, the revered spiritual teachers in Jainism, and illustrated the principles of non-violence and asceticism.
• Furthermore, the post-Mauryan period saw the emergence of rock-cut architecture, especially in cave complexes. The Ajanta and Ellora Caves stand as remarkable examples where religious themes, encompassing Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism, were intricately carved into the rock surfaces. These caves served not only as places of worship but also as educational centers, contributing to the dissemination of religious knowledge.

The artistic developments during the post-Mauryan period were deeply intertwined with religious ideologies. The art served as a medium to communicate and perpetuate the philosophical tenets of Buddhism and Jainism, contributing significantly to the cultural and spiritual fabric of ancient India.

Question #2. Assess the impact of socio-political changes on artistic expressions and the emergence of distinct regional styles in the art in post Mauryan period. 15 marks (250 words)

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• The Post Mauryan period is the period after decline of Mauryan Empire. Various Political players assumed the political dominance over the areas once under mauryan Empire. Among the native ones were Shungas, Kanvas and Satvahanas in North, Ganga valley and Deccan respectively.
• Further the political landscape was marked by number of foreign invasions like that of Parthians, Saka, and Kushanas etc.
• All these political developments been showcased well by the reflections in art and culture of the period.
• The post-Mauryan period in ancient India witnessed dynamic socio-political changes that profoundly influenced artistic expressions, giving rise to distinct regional styles. This era, spanning from the 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE, saw the decline of the Mauryan Empire and the emergence of various regional powers, contributing to a rich heritage of artistic diversity.

Buddhism as a Unifying Factor:

• The disintegration of the Mauryan Empire led to the rise of regional powers such as the Satavahanas, Kushanas, and Andhras. Despite this political fragmentation, Buddhism acted as a unifying cultural force. Artistic expressions, particularly in the form of stupas and sculptures, continued to depict Buddhist themes.
• The Amaravati Stupa, commissioned by the Satavahanas, exemplifies the amalgamation of regional styles with broader Buddhist iconography. The intricate carvings narrate Jataka tales and scenes from the life of Buddha.

Rock-Cut Architecture:

• The post-Mauryan period witnessed a shift towards rock-cut architecture, especially in the Deccan and Western India. The creation of cave complexes, such as the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, reflected regional variations in artistic styles.
• The Ajanta Caves, primarily associated with the Vakataka dynasty, showcase vibrant frescoes and sculptures. These caves, created over several centuries, depict a blend of local and pan-Indian influences.

Gandhara and Mathura Schools:

• The Kushana rulers, with their vast empire stretching into Central Asia, played a pivotal role in the cross-cultural exchange of artistic ideas. The GandharaSchool, in the northwest, reflected Greco-Roman influences, while the Mathura school, in the Gangetic plains, retained a more indigenous character.
• The GandharaSchool is known for its Buddha statues with Hellenistic features, showcasing the impact of socio-political interactions on artistic representations.

Regional Identities in Sculptures:

• The emergence of regional powers allowed for the development of distinct artistic styles that reflected local cultural identities. For instance, the sculptures of the Satavahana period, like those found at Nagarjunakonda, display a unique blend of Dravidian and Andhra influences.

Decline of Buddhism and Rise of Hindu Art:

• As Buddhism waned in certain regions, especially with the revival of Hinduism, artistic expressions shifted to reflect Hindu themes. The Gupta period, following the post-Mauryan era, witnessed the flourishing of Hindu art, exemplified by the temples at Deogarh and Eran.

In conclusion, the post-Mauryan period was marked by a kaleidoscope of artistic expressions shaped by socio-political changes and the interplay of regional influences. This era laid the foundation for the development of diverse regional styles, each contributing to the rich mosaic of India's ancient art and cultural heritage.