Discuss the art and craft of the Mauryan Era.
Discuss the art and craft of the Mauryan Era.
The art and craft of the Mauryan Era.
Introduction to the art of Mauryan Era
During the Mauryan era, not only political and administrative unity was established in India; along with this, a high quality of art was also introduced. The administrative skills of the Mauryan rulers helped in the expansion of trade and industry. The development of art and culture of the Mauryan era gave contemporary India a prestigious place.
In the words of historian K. M. Panikkar - ‘’The century and a half of Maurya rule witnessed a growth of civilisation, arts and culture which entitled India to rank among the greatest countries of the time.’’
The art of the Mauryan era can be learned from the works of Dharmashastra, Arthashastra, Batsayana’s Kama Sutra, Megasthenes and Fa Hien. Ashoka's pillars built in different places in India, the Bharat and Sanchi stupas, the Ajibak caves near Gaya, Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka's palaces - are excellent examples of the sculpture art of the Mauryan era. The stupas and pillars built by Ashoka bear witness to the skill and high taste in fine art. The pillars are built from a single solid stone. Many pillars have been discovered in places like Nandangad, Allahabad, Rummindei, Sarnath - etc. Their craftsmanship and smoothness still amaze European artists.
The animal statues built on the top of the pillars of Sarnath are wonderful examples of sculpture art. Seeing the simplicity and naturalness of the animal statues on the top of the pillars, Smith has commented that such sculptures are extremely rare in any other country; in this there has been a wonderful combination of ideology and reality. Sir John Marshall, observing the craftsmanship of the Sarnath pillar, commented that its carving and composition were excellent and that no finer sculpture was created anywhere in the ancient world.
Many stupas and cave temples were built during the reign of Ashoka. The smoothness of the stupas is still considered a wonder. They are made of stone or brick. In some places, the stupas are surrounded by stone walls or railings. Each has one or two carved entrances. Ashoka built a total of 84,000 stupas in India and Afghanistan. According to Havell, the sculptural art of the stupas of Bharat and Sanchi shows a wonderful combination of non-Aryan and Aryan influences.
The cities and palaces built during the Mauryan era bear witness to advanced architectural art. Megasthenes' account shows that the cities and houses near the rivers and seas were made of wood. The houses in the interior were made of brick. Megasthenes was amazed by the wooden palaces of Chandragupta Maurya. There were many large arcades and pillars, and the floors were made of wood. Many have noticed Persian influence in Chandragupta Maurya's palaces. Ashoka's stone palace amazed Fa-Hien. But these palaces are now completely ruined. Only a few parts of them have been discovered, and within them are traces of a large room with a hundred pillars.
Chandragupta Maurya's Palace at Pataliputra and Ashoka's Palace:-
It is known from the account of Megasthenes - the palace of Chandragupta Maurya at Pataliputra during the Maurya era was rich in fine woodwork. This palace can be compared to the famous palace of Iran. It had many arcades and the floor was made of wood. Moreover, the gold and silver carvings on the pillars were truly impressive.
In addition, Emperor Ashoka built a palace which was made of huge and beautiful stones. The mirror-like smoothness of the stones dazzled Fa - Hien.
Ashokan Pillar:-
One of the best examples of the art of Emperor Ashoka's period is the Ashoka Pillar. Ashoka was the first Indian emperor to cut stones and organize the construction of pillars. The pillars were built from a single solid stone. The stone pillar found at Sarnath was a magnificent example of the glory of Mauryan architecture. The lion statues on the top of the pillar inscription bear witness to the great skill of the artist. On the top of the pillar are statues of four animals - elephant, horse, bull and lion. Four lion statues are located on it. These are known as the ''Dharma Chakra''. This is a symbol of excellence, humanity, seriousness, glory, etc. After independence, the Government of India chose it as the national symbol.
Persian and Greek Influence on Mauryan Art:-
According to European historians and archaeologists such as John Marshall, Monsieur Sanhart, etc., Persian and Greek influences were followed in Ashoka's palace at Patliputra, the palace at Sarnath, the lion statue on the Sarnath pillar, etc. According to John Marshall, Persian and Greek artistic styles were completely absorbed by Indian artists.
But according to Indian archaeologists and architects such as K. M. Panikkar, Dr. Tarapada and architectural expert Shri Sarat Chandra, there was no Persian or Greek influence in Ashoka's architectural plans. A wonderful combination of Aryan and non-Aryan influences can be seen in it. Havell also supports this view. According to Indian archaeologists, instead of foreign art styles influencing Indian art styles, Indian art styles had a special influence in places like Central Asia, China, etc.
Influence of Buddhism on Mauryan Art:-
The art that developed in different parts of India for a long time from the time of Emperor Ashoka to the arrival of the Turks was influenced by Buddhism and Jainism. During the Mauryan rule, many Buddhist monasteries, stupas, stupa railings, arches, chaityas, etc. were built in different parts of India. The great stupa of Sanchi, its railings and arches built by Emperor Ashoka are the best examples of Buddhist architecture. Many anecdotes related to the life of Buddha and Buddhism are skillfully engraved on the railings of the Bharata Stupa and the railings and arches of the Sanchi Stupa. In fact, it can be said that Mauryan art was particularly influenced by Buddhism.
0 comments