MAURYAN ARCHITECTURE

The art that was generated at the time of the Mauryan Empire is known as Mauryan art. Furthermore, the above-stated empire is known as the first empire to rule over the majority of the Indian subcontinent. The art that was practiced at the time of the rule of the great Asoka is focused on the use of wood and stone. The artists have promoted the use of wood and stones in the architecture of buildings and monuments. The royalty of the monuments of the Mauryan Empire can be found in the city of Patliputra, which is known as Patna. The Mauryan ruler embraced Buddhism and the activities of Buddhism are to promote the architecture of monuments, buildings, and sculptures. The section is going to deal with the architecture of the Mauryan Empire that provides information related to the buildings and monuments of that time. 

Mauryan art and architecture

The art and architecture of the Mauryan Empire is the inspiration for the architecture of today because the architecture of that shows various specialties in them. The art and architecture of the Mauryan Empire is divided into two categories that are

Court art 

In the category of court art, the empire was focused on the construction of pillars, palaces, and stupas. Furthermore, the architecture was focused on the stated type of construction because of political and religious reasons. The palaces were used for the residential purpose of the ruler and stupas were for promoting Buddhism among the peoples. The court art consists of pillars, stupas, as well as palaces. 

Pillars

The pillars of that time show the creativity and specialty of the Mauryan Empire and the pillars are made up of chunar sandstone. Furthermore, the pillars are made to represent the state and treated as the symbol of the state. Moreover, the pillars are made with a specific objective and the objective was to convey the ideology of Buddhist and the orders of the court to the entire empire of Mauryan. The languages that are used to write the instructions on the pillars are Pali and Prakrit however; some pillars are depicted in Greek and Aramaic languages also. The architecture of the pillars is attractive.  Throughout the Mauryan Empire, stone pillars were built. A capital is the topmost element of a pillar or column. Figures such as a bull, lion, elephant, and others were carved onto the upper half of the pillar. The capital figures (typically animals) are all carved standing on a square or circular abacus and are all forceful. The pillars also consist of some paintings of animals and the instruction in them that help in conveying the message among the peoples. 

Stupas 

“Stupas” are buildings made up of brick and stones of different sizes and the use of the stupas to show the victory and the achievements of the Gautama Buddha. The building was constructed to celebrate the achievements of the Gautama Buddha at that time. Furthermore, the construction of stupas is attractive because the inner core is made of unburnt bricks and the outer part of the building is made of burnt bricks. An umbrella form that shows the victory and highness of the empire and attracts the people of the empire supports the top of the building. 

Palaces 

The construction of the palaces of the time of the Mauryan Empire shows the highly skilled art of that time.. High walls to protect from the enemies at the time of battle and war surrounded the palaces. The surrounding of the palaces consists of water flow and added flowers such as lotus to make the surrounding more attractive. Moreover, the walls were as strong as can tolerate the attack of the enemies. 

Popular art 

Apart from the patronized art of the empire, popular art consists of the construction of pottery, caves, and sculptures. The construction of popular art shows the devotion of the king regarding religion. The caves were made for the shelter of the monks so that they can promote and convey the message of religion to the people of the nation. Furthermore, the luxury items were used in the construction of the caves and pottery that shows the effectiveness of the art of that period of the Mauryan Empire. 

Monuments of Mauryan Empire 

The Mauryan Empire had built various monuments at the time of their rule however, some of the monuments can be seen in Patliputra, which is known as Patna nowadays. The monolithic rail at Sarnath and Bodhimandala resting on four pillars in Bodhgaya are examples of the monuments of the time of the rule of the Mauryan Empire. 

Conclusion 

The above study of the section concludes that the architecture of the Mauryan Empire is quite attractive and inspirable for today’s architecture. Furthermore, the parts and properties of the Mauryan architecture are discussed that provide information about the attractiveness of the buildings, sculptures, and palaces of that age.