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Gupta Sculpture
The Gupta period is noted as ‘classic’ in the level of perfection achieved. The Gupta period is also called “The Golden Age of Indian Art” because of the perfect balance in the harmony of all elements in style. Gupta sculpture seems to belong to a sphere that is different from others. The Gupta artisans have worked for a higher ideal. The Gupta sculpture is all about a new orientation in the attitude towards art and establishing a connection between art and thoughts.
Characteristics of Gupta sculpture
- The salient features of the Gupta sculpture are jewellery, elaborate draperies, etc.
- The most remarkable example of Gupta sculptures is the great Red sandstone image of the Buddha belonging to Mathura. The Buddha is displayed standing with his right hand in Abhayamudra. The sculpture is assuring protection and is holding the hem of the garment with his left hand.
- The Gupta age was trending in wet or transparent clinging drapery. However, this got eliminated from the Gupta sculptures due to the sensual effect it was providing, along with nudity in female figurines.
- An excellent example of Gupta art in its maturity from Sarnath is the figure of the standing Buddha. The figure is crafted with proper caution and detailing.
- The Head of Shiva is an elegant example of the terracotta figurines of the Gupta period. The figure displays matted locks tied in a graceful top knot. Both the figures of Shiva, along with Parvati, are two of the most stunning specimens belonging to Ahichhatra.
- A beautiful representation of Vishnu belongs to the Gupta period arriving from Mathura. The major attributes of the representation are the typical gown, the vanamala, the string of pearls rolled around the neck, the long yajnopavita.
Golden Age of Indian Culture
The Gupta period is called the ‘Golden age of Indian culture’. This is due to a remarkable development in all aspects, including art, culture, administration, education, literature, astronomy, etc. The most prominent inventions took place in this period, such as the temple of Bhitargaon in Kanpur, Deogarh temple in Jhansi, Bhitari temple in Gazipur. Eminent astronomers during this age were Aryabhatta, Varahmibira, and Brahmagupta. Charaka and Sushruta are counted as excellent scholars in Ayurveda. Highly talented poets, namely Kalidas, Bhasa, Sudraka, Harishena, Bharavi, Vishnusharma, showcased their skills during this age. Not only this but the Puranas, as well as Bhagavad Gita, were penned down during this period. So, undoubtedly this was the golden age of Indian culture.
Gupta paintings
Paintings as art reached their perfection in the Gupta period. The Gupta paintings are found in the Bagh Caves located in Madhya Pradesh and Bedsa Caves, and the Ajanta caves situated in Maharashtra. The Gupta art consisted of religious and spiritual appeal. The artists during the Gupta period were Shilpa-Yogins. They were the monks who had dedicated their entire lives to higher things of life and gave their best in creating distinctive types of paintings. The Gupta paintings had a great simplicity of style and expression. The technique and the subject were mixed harmoniously.
The Gupta paintings reveal specific characteristics. The paintings display a highly developed cultural taste along with detailing. A proper combination of freedom and balance could be seen. Worship of beauty is present but not at the cost of art.
Conclusion
The Gupta sculptures are the most famous in the culture of India. The Gupta sculptures brought a new kind of level in the art that used to connect art with thoughts. The Gupta period is also known as the ‘Golden age of Indian culture due to the excellence in every aspect during this period. The most prominent Gupta sculptures are the figures of Buddha belonging to Mathura, standing Buddha from Sarnath, figurines of Shiva and Parvati, representation of Vishnu belonging to Mathura. Along with this, Gupta paintings are also really prominent.
