Chief Characteristics of Mauryan Art

The Mauryan Empire (circa 322–185 BCE), under the leadership of Chandragupta Maurya and his successors, marked a significant period in Indian history. The art and architecture from this era reflect the empire’s grandeur, its religious influences, and its advancements in various forms of artistic expression. Here are some key characteristics of Mauryan art:

1. Monumental Architecture

• Royal Edicts and Pillars: The Mauryan rulers were known for erecting large stone pillars, which are among the most significant examples of Mauryan art. These pillars, many of which were inscribed with royal edicts, symbolized the empire’s authority and governance.
  • Ashoka Pillars: The Ashoka Pillars are the most famous, with Ashoka’s Edicts carved into the stone, promoting principles of Dharma (moral law) and welfare. The Lion Capital of Ashoka, a sculpture atop one such pillar, is now the national emblem of India.
• Stupas and Monasteries: The Mauryas also patronized the building of stupas (mound-like structures containing relics of the Buddha) and monasteries for Buddhist monks. The Sanchi Stupa, built during Ashoka’s reign, is an excellent example of Mauryan architectural achievement.

2. Influence of Buddhism

• Buddhist Art: The Mauryan period saw the growth of Buddhism, which had a significant impact on art. The great stupas, like the Sanchi Stupa, were built to enshrine relics of the Buddha. These stupas were often adorned with sculptural reliefs depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha, symbolizing his teachings and life events.
• Buddhist Symbols: Buddhist symbols such as the wheel (Dharmachakra) and lotus are prevalent in the Mauryan art, representing the Buddha’s teachings and the spiritual path.

3. Use of Stone as a Primary Medium

• Stone Carving and Polishing: The Mauryas were known for their exceptional skill in stone carving and the polishing of stone surfaces. This technique was evident in both sculptures and architectural pieces.
  • Chunar sandstone was commonly used for creating pillars, sculptures, and other forms of art due to its durability and ease of carving.

4. Realistic Sculpture

• Animal and Human Figures: Mauryan art is also known for its realistic sculptures, especially those depicting animals. The Lion Capital of Ashoka, carved from polished sandstone, is an example of the Mauryan artistic emphasis on the animal world. The elephant capital and other figures show great attention to anatomical details.
• Human Figures: The human figures in Mauryan sculptures were often depicted with stiff postures. The Mauryan style of sculpture was more focused on royal and religious symbolism rather than naturalistic representation, especially in the case of human images.

5. Integration of Persian and Greek Styles

• Influence of Foreign Styles: The Mauryan art also exhibited influences from Persian and Greek styles due to India’s interactions with these cultures, particularly under the reign of Chandragupta Maurya and his descendants. This is evident in the aesthetic details of sculptures and architectural designs.
  • For example, the lion motif in Ashoka’s pillars has similarities to Persian animal depictions.

6. Simplicity and Grandeur

• Simplicity with Grandeur: Mauryan art is characterized by its simplicity in design and construction, but it is also grand in scale and execution. The pillars, stupas, and edicts were designed with a sense of monumental grandeur, symbolizing the power and religious ideology of the Mauryan rulers.

7. Buddhist Cave Art

• Early Buddhist Cave Architecture: The Mauryan period also witnessed the early development of cave architecture. The Barabar Caves (in Bihar), commissioned by Ashoka, are the earliest surviving examples of rock-cut caves, and their simple, unadorned interiors reflect the Buddhist ideals of austerity.

Key Examples of Mauryan Art

• Ashoka’s Edicts: Located throughout India, these inscriptions not only serve as royal declarations but also as significant examples of Mauryan art and governance.
• Sanchi Stupa: Although it was later expanded, its foundations and early development were heavily influenced by Mauryan style.
• Lion Capital of Ashoka: The iconic sculpture representing Ashoka’s authority and ideals of governance.