Emergence of Mauryan Power: A Cultural Shift in the 6th Century BCE Gangetic Valley

Around the 6th century BCE, the Gangetic Valley buzzed with fresh ideas. New religions like Buddhism and Jainism sprang up, challenging traditional Hindu beliefs. Meanwhile, Magadha grew as a powerhouse, paving the way for the Mauryas. 

Pillars: Sculpting the Past by Exploring the Art of Mauryan Period

• Structure: Pillars are vertical structural members in architecture and building construction, insert keyword art of mauryan period in paragraph.
• Single Unit: They can be made of a single piece of stone or wood, or built up of units, such as bricks.
• Material: Pillars, usually made of chunar sandstone, are a symbol of the state. 
• It assumed great significance throughout the entire Mauryan Empire.
• Objectives: To propagate  the Buddhist ideology and court orders in the entire Mauryan empire, the art of Mauryan period manifested in the construction of pillars that stood as monumental symbols of both structural ingenuity and ideological dissemination.

Difference between Mauryan and Achamenian 

• The contrast in pillar construction between the Mauryan and Achaemenian periods reveals distinctive features in the art of Mauryan period. 

• Features: All the figures on the pillars were vigorously carved, standing proudly on either square or circular abacuses adorned with stylized lotuses. 
• Renowned examples of such pillars have been unearthed at locations including Basarah-Bakhira, Lauriya-Nandangarh in Bihar, and Sankisa and Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh.

The Sarnath Lion Capital: A Pinnacle of Art in the Mauryan Period and National Emblem

The Mauryan pillar capital found at Sarnath, Varanasi popularly known as the Lion Capital is the finest example of Mauryan architecture. 

• It is also our national emblem.
• It was commissioned by Ashoka, it commemorates Buddha’s first sermon, known as Dhammachakrapravartana.
• Components of the Capital
• Five Main Parts: The shaft (currently fragmented), a lotus bell base, a drum with four animals in a clockwise arrangement, four grand lions facing away from each other, and the crowning Dharmachakra (a large wheel). 
  • This wheel is now damaged and showcased in the site museum at Sarnath.
• The National Emblem of Independent India features the capital, excluding the wheel and the lotus base.
  • Currently, the lion capital is housed in the archaeological museum at Sarnath.
• Lions: They are impressively large and monumental. 
  • They have strong facial features and lifelike details. 
  • They have a heavily polished surface, which is typical of Mauryan art. 
  • They have curly, protruding manes and well-defined muscles. 

Comparison and Legacy

• A similar lion capital was found at Sanchi, though it’s deteriorated.
  • The lion-capital-pillar motif persisted in subsequent periods, showcasing its lasting influence.

Sculptures

• During the Mauryans period, during the 3rd century BCE, was renowned for its monumental sculptures, including impressive representations of Yakshas, Yakhinis, and various animals.
  • A significant number of these statues, especially those of Yakshas and Yakhinis, have been discovered in places like Patna, Vidisha, and Mathura.

Yaksha and Yakshini Sculpture and its influence 

• Region: Large statues of Yakshas and Yakhinis are found in many places like Patna, Vidisha and Mathura. 
• Position: These monumental images are mostly in the standing position.
• Worship: Yaksha and yakshini sculptures demonstrate worship’s influence in Buddhist and Jaina monuments.
• Examples: The prominent statues of yaksha and yakshini were found in Patna, Vidisha, and Mathura, with a standout Yakshi figure from Didarganj, Patna.
  • One of the finest examples is a Yakshi figure from Didarganj, Patna, which is tall and well-built. 
• It shows sensitivity towards depicting the human physique. The image has a polished surface.

Mauryan Masterpieces: The Artistic Splendor of the Didarganj Yakshini

• The life-sized Yakshini from Didarganj, near contemporary Patna, stands as a testament to the Mauryan sculptural excellence, e, showcasing the distinctive art of Mauryan period.
  • The statue is showcased in the Patna Museum.
  • It is crafted from sandstone, boasts a polished surface and embodies a free-standing sculpture in the round.

Artistic Features

• The figure holds a chauri (flywhisk) in her right hand, the left is unfortunately broken, showcasing the art of Mauryan period sculptures and their attention to detail.
  • The face features round, plump cheeks with sharp eyes, nose, and lips.
• The sculptor’s expertise shines in the depiction of a muscular body and a relatively small neck.
  • Necklace beads hang gracefully to the belly, and the garment’s tight fit accentuates a protruding belly.

The Detailed Craftsmanship of Mauryans Period Bodily Representations

• Neatly Tied Hair: The hairs are neatly tied in a knot. 
• Bareback and Drapery Contrast: The bareback contrasts with the drapery covering the legs.
• Continuity in Design: The chauri’s incised lines continue onto the statue’s back, showcasing continuity in design.
• Semi-Transparent Effect: The lower garment clings to the legs, producing a semi-transparent effect. 
• Cascading Middle Band: The middle band of the garment cascades down to the feet.
  • A thick bell-ornaments ornament embellishes her feet, showcasing the ornate features commonly found in the art of Mauryan period.