The Mauryan period (322 BCE – 185 BCE) marks a significant phase in Indian art. It includes contributions in stone, architecture, and sculpture. This art primarily reflects state power and Buddhist influence. It also shows royal patronage. This makes it important for exams like UPSC, State PSCs, SSC, and other competitive exams.
1. Features of Mauryan Art
✅ Use of polished stone (Mauryan polish)
✅ Large-scale architecture sponsored by Ashoka
✅ Influence of Persian and Hellenistic art
✅ Spread of Buddhist themes through stupas and pillars
2. Types of Mauryan Art
(A) Court Art (Imperial Mauryan Art)
- Pillars of Ashoka
- Monolithic (made from a single stone)
- Topped with animal capitals (lion, bull, elephant)
- Example: Sarnath Lion Capital (India’s national emblem)
- Stupas
- Earliest stupas built during Ashoka’s reign
- Originally made of brick and later modified
- Important stupas: Sanchi, Bharhut, Sarnath
- Palaces
- Inspired by Achaemenid (Persian) architecture
- Example: Ashoka’s palace in Pataliputra
- Made of wood and stone, featuring pillars and grand halls
(B) Popular Art (Non-Royal Art)
- Yaksha and Yakshi Sculptures
- Yakshas (male nature spirits) and Yakshis (female deities) worshipped by common people
- Example: Yaksha statue from Parkham (Mathura), Yakshi from Didarganj (Patna)
- Rock-cut Caves
- Used as shelters for Buddhist and Jain monks
- Barabar Caves (Bihar) – oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India
- Decorated with polished interiors
3. Important Mauryan Sites and Sculptures
| Site | Features |
|---|---|
| Sarnath | Ashoka’s Lion Capital (National Emblem of India) |
| Sanchi | One of the oldest stupas, Buddhist relics |
| Barabar Caves | Oldest rock-cut caves, polished interior |
| Didarganj | Famous Yakshi statue, polished sandstone |
| Pataliputra | Ashoka’s palace, wooden-pillared hall |
| Lauria Nandangarh | Ashokan pillar with single lion capital |
4. Influence of Mauryan Art
- Spread of Buddhist Art: Inspired later sculptures in Kushan and Gupta periods.
- Adoption by Later Dynasties: Influence seen in Shunga, Kushan, and Gupta architecture.
- National Importance: Sarnath Lion Capital adopted as India’s national emblem.
5. Sample Questions for Competitive Exams
Prelims-Based Questions (Objective Type)
- Which Mauryan site is famous for Ashoka’s Lion Capital, now India’s national emblem?
- (a) Sanchi
- (b) Sarnath
- (c) Amaravati
- (d) Bodh Gaya
- Answer: (b) Sarnath
- Which material was commonly used in Mauryan court art?
- (a) Wood
- (b) Bronze
- (c) Polished stone
- (d) Terracotta
- Answer: (c) Polished stone
- Barabar Caves were built for which religious sect?
- (a) Hindus
- (b) Buddhists
- (c) Jains
- (d) Ajivikas
- Answer: (d) Ajivikas
- Yaksha and Yakshi sculptures belong to which category of Mauryan art?
- (a) Court Art
- (b) Popular Art
- (c) Temple Art
- (d) Religious Art
- Answer: (b) Popular Art
Mains-Based Questions (Descriptive Type)
- Explain the key features of Mauryan art and its impact on later Indian architecture.
- Describe the significance of Ashokan pillars and their contribution to Indian sculpture.
- How did Buddhist ideology influence Mauryan architecture and sculpture?
This structured study material will help you prepare effectively for competitive exams. Would you like a mind map or simplified diagram for this topic? 🚀
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