Explore Our Affordable Courses

Click Here

Mauryan Sculptures: Key Features

April 13, 2024 615 0

Introduction

Indian sculpture considerably progressed during the Mauryan period and was largely influenced by Buddhism. However, there are also examples of a few Brahmanical Gods in the sculptural representations.

pasted image 0

Key Features of Mauryan Sculptures

  • Sculptures were used for religious expression and decoration of stupas (in Torana and Medhi). 
  • Mauryan Pillars: like the Lion Capital (Sarnath) and the Bull Capital (Rampurva, Bihar)  were built by  Ashoka.
  • In Dhauli (Orissa), there is an image of an elephant carved out from a rock. It was created during Ashoka’s reign. 
  • This was the first time a massive animal figure had been carved out of a boulder or rock and contains edicts of Asoka (268-232 BC).[UPSC 2022]
  • The Torso of a male figure found at Lohanipur (Bihar) probably represents a Jain Tirthankara.
  • Large statues of Yakshas and Yakshinis were found in many places like Patna, Vidisha and Mathura.

Must Read

Current Affairs Editorial Analysis
Upsc Notes  Upsc Blogs 
NCERT Notes  Free Main Answer Writing

 

Yakshas and Yakshinis

  • They were related to all three religions: Jainism, Hinduism and Buddhism.
  • These images are mostly in standing position with well-polished surfaces.
  • A life-size standing sculpture of a Yakshini (made up of sandstone ) holding a Chauri (flywhisk) was found at Didarganj near modern Patna.

pasted image 0 1

Conclusion

  • Mauryan sculptures stand as timeless relics, offering invaluable insights into the artistry, spirituality, and historical context of ancient India, enriching our understanding of its cultural heritage.
Related Articles 
Classical Dances Of India List Of Dance Forms Of Indian States
Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards The Importance Of Indian Classical Dances
Jainism and Buddhism Mohiniyattam: Origin History, Dance Style, And Features

Download October 2024 Current Affairs.   Srijan 2025 Program (Prelims+Mains) !     Current Affairs Plus By Sumit Sir   UPSC Prelims2025 Test Series.    IDMP – Self Study Program 2025.

 

THE MOST
LEARNING PLATFORM

Learn From India's Best Faculty

      

Download October 2024 Current Affairs.   Srijan 2025 Program (Prelims+Mains) !     Current Affairs Plus By Sumit Sir   UPSC Prelims2025 Test Series.    IDMP – Self Study Program 2025.

 

Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

<div class="new-fform">







    </div>

    Subscribe our Newsletter
    Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.
    *Promise! We won't spam you.
    Yes! I want to Subscribe.