Popular Art: Exploring Mauryan Cave Architecture

Introduction

In addition to royal support, a variety of artistic mediums, including sculpture, ceramics, and cave construction, arose via local support. These were categorised as forms of popular art.

Cave Architecture:

• Emergence: Rock-cut cave architecture emerged during the Mauryan period and was generally used as viharas (living quarters) by the Jain and Buddhist monks.
• Characteristics: The caves were characterised by highly polished interiors and decorative gateways.
• Cave Usages: The early Mauryan caves were used by Ajivika sects, later, they became popular as Buddhist monasteries.
•  Barabar and Nagarjuni caves in Bihar were formed during the Mauryan period.
  • The Barabar Hills embrace the cluster of four caves, together called Barabar caves. 
  • These are known as ‘Lomas Rishi‘, ‘Sudama‘, ‘Vishwakarma‘ and ‘Karan Chaupar‘ caves.
  • Nagarjuni caves include Vadathi-ka-kubha, Vape-ka-kubha and Gopi-ka-Kumbha.

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• Nasik caves (Maharashtra) are also known as Pandav Leni caves. [UPSC 2021]

Conclusion

• Cave architecture represents a fascinating fusion of human creativity and natural landscapes, serving as enduring monuments to ancient cultures, religious beliefs, and artistic achievements, preserving invaluable insights into our shared heritage.