Mauryan art, emerging during the reign of the Mauryan Empire (322-185 BCE), marks a pivotal moment in Indian art history. It witnessed a shift from perishable materials like wood to the use of durable stone, resulting in remarkable structures and sculptures that have endured for centuries. This artistic period thrived under the patronage of Mauryan kings, particularly Ashoka, who used art as a means to propagate his dhamma (teachings).

Mauryan art can be broadly categorized into five main areas:-

1. Architecture

Ø Stupas: The word "stupa" comes from the Sanskrit word "stūpa," meaning "heap" or "mound." Stupas are dome-shaped structures that serve as monuments, often containing relics, such as the ashes of the Buddha or other important Buddhist figures. They are also seen as symbolic representations of the Buddha’s burial mound, and the structure itself is imbued with deep religious significance.

Sanchi Stupa (Madhya Pradesh)

• The great stupa at Sanchi was built with bricks during the time of Ashoka and later was covered with stones.

• It was enlarged using local sandstone during the Sunga period.

• The elaborately-carved gateways were added later (by Satvahanas) in the 1st century BC. It depicts Jataka stories.

• The main body of the stupa symbolises the cosmic mountain.

  • It is topped by a ‘harmika’ to hold the triple umbrella, or ‘chhatraveli’, representing the three jewels of Buddhism – the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.

• The reliefs of Sanchi display the following quite prominently.

  • The four great events of the Buddha's life- birth, attainment of knowledge, dharma chakra - pravartana and Mahaparinirvana.

  • Representations of birds and animals like lions, elephants, camels, ox, etc., are abundant.

  • Some animals are shown with riders in heavy coats and boots.

  • Lotus and wishing vines and

  • Unique representation of forest animals.

Bharhut Stupa (Madhya Pradesh)

• Originally built by Ashoka but enlarged later by Shungas.

• It is important for its sculptures.

• The important features:

  • Gateways or toranas, which are imitations in stone of wooden gateways.

  • Railings made of red sandstone spreading out from the gateways. They also are imitations, in stone, of post and rail fence, but the stone railings of Bharhut have, on top, a heavy stone border (coping).

  • Railings have carvings of Yakshas, Yakshis and other divinities associated with Buddhism.

  • There are, as in other Stupa railings, representations of Buddhist themes like Jataka stories in combination with various natural elements.

Dhauli Shanti Stupa (Orissa)

• Ashoka laid the foundation of Dhauligiri Shanti Stupa at a place known for the end of the Kalinga War.

• The overall structure is in the shape of a dome.

• The Dhauli Shanti Stupa has four massive idols of Lord Buddha in various postures, along with episodes from Gautam Buddha's life carved on stone slabs.

Dhamek Stupa (Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh)

• Its construction was ordered by Emperor Ashoka.

• It is the exact spot of Buddha’s first sermon.

• At Dhamek stupa Buddha revealed an eight-fold path leading to nirvana.

• The site is described as Mriga-daya-vanam (sanctuary for animals).

Ø Purpose: Stupas are central to Buddhist worship and are used as places of meditation and pilgrimage. The structure represents the Buddha’s path to enlightenment and the universe’s structure in Buddhist cosmology.

Architectural Features

Ø Dome (Anda): The main body of the stupa is a large, hemispherical dome called the "anda," representing the universe. It typically encases a relic chamber that holds sacred items.

Ø Harmika: At the top of the dome is a square platform called the "harmika," symbolizing the Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. This area is often enclosed by a railing.

Ø Chatra: Above the harmika, there is a central pillar topped with one or more umbrellas (chatra), which symbolize royalty and protection. The umbrellas also represent the Three Jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha, the Dharma (teachings), and the Sangha (community).

Ø Medhi: The stupa often sits on a raised platform called the "medhi," which is encircled by a pradakshina path, a path for circumambulation. Devotees walk around the stupa in a clockwise direction as a form of meditation and worship.

Ø Toranas: The stupa is usually accessed through elaborate gateways known as "toranas," which are often intricately carved with scenes from the life of the Buddha and various Jataka tales (stories of the Buddha’s previous lives). These gates are oriented in the four cardinal directions and serve as the entrance points for pilgrims.

Pillar

Description

Sarnath (Lion Capital) (Uttar Pradesh)

• Known as the Mauryan pillar capi.

• Roaring lion: It is carved with notable voluminous roaring lion figures firmly standing on a circular abacus.

• Abacus: It depicts a chakra (wheel) with twenty-four spokes in all four directions.

  • It is carved with the figures of a horse, a bull, a lion and an elephant between every chakra in vigorous movement, executed precisely.

• A bell-shaped lotus: It forms the lowest portion of the pillar.

• This pillar capital symbolises Dhammachakrapravartana (the first sermon by the Buddha).

• It is our national emblem adopted by the Government of India on 26 January 1950.

• Hsuen Tsang: Mentions of a seventy-foot high pillar with shining polish standing at the same site

Lauriya Nandangarh (Bihar)

• The top of the pillar is bell-shaped with a circular abacus.

• It has six edicts inscribed on its polished stone shaft.

• Situated on the trade route that connects the eastern Gangetic basin with western Asia.

• The lotus bell capital supports a drum carved with a row of geese. A seated lion crowns the capital.

• The pillar reveals the Achaemenid and Hellenistic influences on the Indian stone carving tradition.

• Emperor Ashoka commemorated the site of Lauriya Nandangarh with a Dhamma Stambhadorned with a single Lion Capital at the top.

Rampurva (Bull Capital) (Delhi)

• It is a realistic depiction of a Zebu bull.

• It is a mixture of Indian and Persian elements.

• The motifs on the base, atop the inverted lotus, the rosette, the palmette, and the acanthus ornaments are not Indian features.

• Rashtrapati Bhavan houses the magnificent sandstone capital.

Prayag -Prashasti (Allahabad Pillar) (Uttar Pradesh)

• It carries major pillar edicts from 1 to 6.

• It also contains the schism edict of Ashoka.

• Inscriptions of Gupta Emperor Samudragupta and Mughal Emperor Jehangir are also attributed to this pillar.

• The inscription mentions that Samudragupta defeated twelve rulers in his South India expedition.

2. Pillar Edicts

Ø Palaces and Pillars: The Mauryan rulers, especially Ashoka, also constructed grand palaces and pillars. The city of Pataliputra (modern-day Patna) was known for its impressive architecture, although much of it has not survived. The pillars, often inscribed with Ashoka's edicts, are particularly noteworthy.

Ø Ashoka's Dhamma: The Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, a fervent advocate of Buddhism, used pillars as a medium to disseminate his moral and ethical principles known as 'Dhamma'.

Ø Inscriptions: These pillars are adorned with inscriptions in Brahmi script, proclaiming Ashoka's edicts promoting peace, non-violence, religious tolerance, and social welfare.

Ø Symbol of Authority: Apart from their role as carriers of edicts, the Mauryan pillars also served as symbols of imperial authority and Ashoka's commitment to upholding Dhamma.

Ø Architectural Marvels: These monolithic columns, often made of polished sandstone or granite, stand as testaments to the Mauryan mastery of stone carving and engineering.

Ø Animal Capitals: Many pillars are crowned with intricately sculpted animal capitals, such as the iconic Lion Capital at Sarnath, now the national emblem of India.

3. Sculpture

Didarganj Yakshini (Chauri bearer) (Bihar)

• Tall, well-proportioned, free-standing sculpture.

• Made in sandstone with a polished surface.

• It exhibits happiness and bounty.

• Chauri (flywhisk) is held in the right hand.

• The image shows sophistication in the treatment of form and medium.

Dhauli Elephant (Orissa)

• Carved in the living rock.

• the Ashoka edict at the place ends with the word Sevto (white) in Pali. It suggests that it depicts Airavat, a white elephant depicted in Indian religious texts.

• Situated near the battlefield where Ashoka renounced violence and turned towards Buddhism.

Ø Yaksha and Yakshini Sculptures: One of the most famous examples of Mauryan sculpture is the Yaksha and Yakshini figures. These are large, robust figures representing male and female nature deities, believed to have been associated with fertility and prosperity. The Didarganj Yakshi, a polished sandstone statue, is one of the finest examples.

Ø Animal Sculptures: The Mauryan period is also known for its highly polished stone sculptures of animals, especially the lions. The most famous of these is the Lion Capital of Ashoka, which was originally part of a pillar erected at Sarnath. This sculpture is now the national emblem of India.

4. Pottery

Northern Black Polished Ware

• Highly polished gaze coating with black colour.

• Generally used as luxury items.

• NBPW usually have a thin section, grey core, and distinctive glossy lustre.

• NBPW does not include large or heavy forms but is mainly confined to the usual dining set and table wares.

Ø Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW): The Mauryan period is particularly known for the Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW), a type of pottery that is characterized by its fine Quality, glossy surface, and black or dark grey color. This pottery is believed to have been produced for the elite class and was used in both domestic and ritual contexts.

Ø Design and Craftsmanship: Mauryan pottery often features intricate designs, including geometric patterns, floral motifs, and occasionally, human or animal figures. The pottery is usually wheel-made, indicating a high level of craftsmanship. The smooth, polished surface of the NBPW pottery is a testament to the advanced techniques used by the potters of this period.

Ø Utility and Aesthetics: The pottery was not only utilitarian but also served as an important medium for artistic expression. Items such as bowls, jars, and dishes were crafted with a keen eye for aesthetics, and some pieces were likely used in religious or ceremonial contex

5. Rock-cut Caves:

Barabar and Nagarjuni Hill Caves (Bihar)

• They are among India's oldest rock-cut caves.

• They are dedicated to the monks of the Ajivika sect.

• There are seven caves.

  • Four in Barabar Hill (Lomus Rishi, Sudama, Viswamitra and Karna Chopar Caves).

  • Three in Nagarjuni Hill (Vahiyaka, Gopika and Vadathika Caves).

• Chambers bear dedicatory inscriptions

  • King Piyadassi for the Barabar group, and

  • Devanpiya Dasaratha for the Nagarjuni group

• Some of the rock-cut chambers resemble the wooden buildings of that period. For example- It can be seen in the Lomus Rishi and Sudama caves of Barabar Hills and Sitamarhi cave in Nagarjuni Hill.

• The facade of the Lomas Rishi cave is decorated with the semicircular chaitya arch as the entrance and interior hall are rectangular, with a circular chamber at the back.

Ø Ascetic Retreats: The Barabar Caves, carved into the hills near Gaya, provided shelter for Ajivika monks. The Lomas Rishi Cave, with its arched entrance and polished interior, is a masterpiece of rock-cut architecture.

Ø Technological Innovation: These caves demonstrate the early use of rock-cutting techniques and the skillful manipulation of space and light.

Significance of Mauryan Art:

Mauryan art holds a special place in the annals of Indian art history due to its multifaceted contributions and enduring legacy.

Its significance can be outlined in the following points:

Pioneering Role:

Ø Mauryan art marked a pivotal shift in Indian artistic expression, transitioning from the use of perishable materials like wood to the adoption of durable stone. This led to the creation of monumental structures and sculptures that have withstood the test of time.

Ø The Mauryan period witnessed the early development of rock-cut architecture, as exemplified by the Barabar Caves, laying the groundwork for the later flourishing of this architectural style at Ajanta and Ellora.

Royal Patronage:

Ø The Mauryan emperors, especially Ashoka, actively patronized art and architecture, using them as powerful tools to propagate their political and religious ideologies.

Ø The construction of grand pillars, stupas, and caves reflected the empire's wealth, power, and commitment to fostering a multi-religious society.

Spread of Buddhism:

Ø Mauryan art played a crucial role in the dissemination of Buddhism throughout the Indian subcontinent and beyond.

Ø The stupas, built to enshrine relics of the Buddha, became important pilgrimage sites and centers of Buddhist learning.

Ø The pillars, inscribed with Ashoka's edicts promoting Buddhist values, served as powerful vehicles for spreading the Buddha's teachings.

Technological Advancements:

Ø The construction of massive stone structures and intricate carvings demonstrated the Mauryan era's engineering prowess and mastery of stone-cutting techniques.

Ø The skillful manipulation of space and light in the rock-cut caves further highlights the period's technological advancements.

Artistic Synthesis:

Ø Mauryan art represents a successful blend of indigenous artistic traditions with influences from Persia and Hellenistic Greece.

Ø The animal capitals atop the pillars and the naturalistic depiction of human figures in sculptures showcase this cultural fusion, resulting in a unique and distinctly Indian aesthetic.

Enduring Legacy Of Mauryan

1. Architectural Legacy

Ø Pioneering Rock-Cut Techniques: The Barabar Caves are among the earliest examples of rock-cut architecture in India. They introduced and refined techniques for carving structures directly into solid rock, setting a precedent for future cave temples and monasteries across the subcontinent.

Ø Influence on Later Caves: The architectural innovations of the Barabar Caves, including the use of polished interiors and arched entrances, influenced later rock-cut structures. Notable examples include the Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra, the Badami Caves in Karnataka, and the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves in Odisha. These later caves adopted and adapted the techniques developed in the Barabar Caves.

Ø Architectural Style and Design: The Barabar Caves contributed to the development of a distinctive style of cave architecture. Features such as the use of rock-cut arches and polished surfaces became characteristic elements in the design of subsequent cave complexes.

2. Religious Legacy

Ø Ascetic and Monastic Retreats: The Barabar Caves served as important retreats for ascetics, particularly the Ajivikas. They set a precedent for the use of cave complexes as places for meditation and spiritual practice. This tradition influenced the development of monastic retreats and meditation spaces in later religious traditions, including Buddhism and Jainism.

Ø Cultural and Religious Significance: The caves are associated with the Ajivika sect, reflecting the religious diversity of the Mauryan period. Their role in preserving and promoting ascetic practices contributed to the broader understanding of early Indian religions and philosophies.

3. Technological and Artistic Legacy

Ø Rock-Cutting Techniques: The precise rock-cutting techniques demonstrated in the Barabar Caves showcased advanced craftsmanship and technological innovation. These techniques were further developed and refined in later architectural projects, influencing the art of rock-cutting in India and beyond.

Ø Polished Surfaces and Arched Architecture: The smooth, polished interiors of the Barabar Caves and the use of arched entrances were innovative features that influenced architectural practices in India. The skillful manipulation of space and light seen in the Barabar Caves became key elements in the design of later rock-cut structures.

4. Historical and Cultural Impact

Ø Preservation of Ancient Techniques: The Barabar Caves serve as an important historical record of early rock-cut architecture and the technological capabilities of the Mauryan period. They provide valuable insights into the architectural practices and artistic achievements of ancient India.

Ø Legacy of Innovation: The innovations introduced in the Barabar Caves contributed to the broader evolution of Indian architecture. The caves remain a testament to the technical and artistic skills of the Mauryan builders and their influence on subsequent architectural developments.

Ø Educational and Cultural Value: Today, the Barabar Caves are recognized as significant cultural and historical sites. They attract scholars, architects, and tourists interested in ancient Indian architecture and religious history. Their preservation and study continue to contribute to the understanding of India’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.

Conclusion

Mauryan art exemplifies the grandeur, innovation, and cultural vibrancy of the Mauryan Empire. Its architectural marvels, sculptures, and inscriptions not only highlight historical achievements but also embody values of peace, tolerance, and social welfare. Bihar, the heartland of the Mauryan Empire, is rich with these artistic legacies, including the iconic Ashoka Chakra from the Lion Capital at Sarnath, symbolizing both Bihar and India's heritage.