The rise of Buddhism and Jainism in the 6th century BCE led to new religious and social movements in India. By the 4th and 3rd centuries BCE, the Mauryan Empire had expanded, and Emperor Ashoka played a crucial role in promoting the Buddhist Śramaṇa tradition. Mauryan art is mainly seen in three forms: pillars, sculptures, and rock-cut architecture.
1. Pillars
Mauryan pillars are known for being carved from a single piece of stone (monolithic). They were erected across the empire and were characterized by their lustrous polish. The top of the pillars was crowned with sculptures of animals like lions, elephants, or bulls.
Sarnath Lion Capital: This is considered the finest example of Mauryan art. It originally had five parts: the pillar shaft, a lotus bell, a drum, four lions, and a Dharma Chakra.
National Symbol: The Lion Capital, without the wheel and lotus base, was adopted as the National Emblem of India.
Other Sites: These pillars can still be found at locations such as Basarah-Bakhira and Lauria-Nandangarh in Bihar, and Sankisa in Uttar Pradesh.
2. Sculptures
This period saw the creation of large-scale sculptures of Yakshas and Yakshinis, which were popular folk deities. These statues are typically shown in a standing posture, featuring a smooth surface and a focus on anatomical detail.
Didarganj Yakshini: Found in Patna, this is an excellent example of a Yakshini sculpture.
Dhauli Elephant: In Odisha, a large elephant figure was carved directly from a rock, showcasing remarkable skill in rock-cut carving.
3. Stupas and Rock-Cut Caves
The construction of stupas and caves was a key part of Emperor Ashoka's efforts to spread Buddhism.
Stupas: These structures were built to house the relics of the Buddha and other Buddhist saints. The Great Stupa at Sanchi is a significant monument from the Ashokan era. Other sites include Rajagriha in Bihar and Piprahwa in Uttar Pradesh.
Rock-Cut Caves: The Lomas Rishi Cave in Bihar's Barabar Hills was carved out of a single rock and was dedicated by Emperor Ashoka to the Ajivika sect. Its entrance imitates the form of wooden architecture.
Religious Context
Yaksha Worship: This was a popular belief system that predated Buddhism and was later incorporated into both Buddhist and Jain traditions.
Symbolic Representation: Until the 2nd century BCE, the Buddha was not depicted in human form. Instead, he was represented symbolically through a stupa, a lotus throne, or the Dharma Chakra.
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