Historical Background
• 6th century BCE: Rise of Buddhism and Jainism (Shraman
tradition).
• Opposition to caste (varna and jati) systems.
• Mauryan Empire established by 4th century BCE; Ashoka
promoted Buddhism.
Sculptures and Pillars
• Ashokan stone pillars found across North India with
animal capitals (lion, bull, elephant).
• Most famous: Lion Capital of Sarnath (national emblem
of India).
• Features: Four lions, abacus with chakra and animals,
inverted lotus base.
• Pillars are monolithic and finely polished (unlike Persian
counterparts).
Yaksha/Yakshini Statues
• Large stone statues of Yakshas and Yakshinis (nature
spirits).
• Found at places like Patna, Vidisha, Mathura.
• Example: Didarganj Yakshini – life-size, polished
sandstone sculpture holding a chauri (fly-whisk).
Rock-cut Architecture
• Barabar Hills (Bihar): Lomus Rishi Cave for Ajivikas.
• Features: Chaitya arch facade, elephant frieze,
rectangular hall with circular chamber.
Stupas and Buddhist Monasteries
• Built over Buddha’s relics at Rajagraha, Vaishali, Sanchi,
Kapilavastu, etc.
• Early stupas made of brick; later enlarged and
decorated.
• Bairat stupa (Rajasthan): Early example from 3rd century
BCE.
• Additions: Railings, gateways (toranas), and sculpture
panels.
Artisans and Patronage
• Patrons: Kings, lay devotees, merchants, guilds.
• Inscriptions mention professions and donors (rarely
artisans).
• Example artisans: Kanha (Pitalkhora), Balaka (Kondane).
Buddhist Narrative Art
• Buddha shown symbolically (footprints, wheel, stupa,
etc.).
• Depicted events: Birth, renunciation, enlightenment,
first sermon, death (Mahaparinirvana).
• Jataka stories: Moral tales from Buddha’s past lives (e.g.,
Chhadanta, Sibi, Vessantara).
Summary Paragraph
The Mauryan Period (4th–2nd century BCE) was a defining
era in Indian art, especially under Emperor Ashoka’s reign. It
witnessed the rise of Buddhism and Jainism in the Gangetic
valley, and the patronage of both religions played a crucial
role in shaping early Indian art and architecture. The period is
known for the construction of stone pillars, stupas, rock-cut
caves, and sculptures. The iconic Lion Capital of Sarnath,
now India’s national emblem, and the Didarganj Yakshini are
masterpieces of this era. Buddhist architecture flourished
through the building of stupas, viharas, and chaityas, with
narrative reliefs depicting scenes from the life of Buddha and
Jataka stories. The Mauryan period laid the foundation of
India’s grand sculptural and architectural traditions.
Key Points
Historical Context
• Rise of Buddhism and Jainism in the 6th century BCE.
• Supported by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.
• Magadha and later the Mauryan Empire dominated the
Gangetic region.
Sculpture and Pillars
• Ashokan pillars are carved from single stone shafts with
animal capitals (lion, bull, elephant).
• Most famous: Lion Capital at Sarnath symbolizing
Buddha’s first sermon (Dhammachakrapravartana).
• Features four lions, a circular abacus with chakra and
animals, and an inverted lotus base.
• Mauryan art is known for its high polish and detailed
realism.
Yaksha and Yakshini Sculptures
• Representations of nature spirits.
• Didarganj Yakshini (Patna) is a famous sandstone statue
with polished finish and elegant form.
Rock-cut Architecture
• Notable: Lomus Rishi cave at Barabar Hills, Bihar (for the
Ajivikas).
• Features chaitya arches, rock-cut elephants, and high-
relief friezes.
Stupas, Viharas, and Chaityas
• Stupas built over Buddha’s relics at sites like Sanchi,
Rajagraha, Vaishali, Kapilavastu.
• Early stupas were simple; later, gateways (toranas) and
railings were added.
• Bairat stupa (Rajasthan) is one of the earliest examples.
Buddhist Narrative Art
• Buddha represented symbolically (footprints, stupa,
wheel, throne).
• Life events depicted: birth, renunciation, enlightenment,
first sermon, death (Mahaparinirvana).
• Jataka tales (stories of Buddha’s previous lives)
illustrated: Chhadanta, Vessantara, Sibi, etc.
Artisan and Patronage
• Inscriptions mention donors: kings, laypeople, guilds.
• Artisans included carvers, goldsmiths, stone-polishers,
etc.
• Art was a collective effort, often sponsored by
communities.
