The Sculptures Of Mauryan Age

Mauryan Art, produced by the Mauryan Empire during its reign, represents a significant transition in Indian art from the use of wood & stones. It is described as the royal art patronized by the Mauryan kings like Ashoka. Now that Yaksha and Yakshi were prevalent during the Mauryan age, one can find large statues of the same in different areas of India. When talking about the Sculptures of the Mauryan Age, apart from pillars and stupas, rock-cut caves and monumental figure sculptures were carved at different places. 

Sculptures of the Mauryan Age:

Pillars 

Pillars form the most attractive Sculptures of the Mauryan Age. Even though they are centuries old, Mauryan pillars are way different from other pillars in the world. Stone pillars were erected across swathes of the Mauryan Empire. 

The uppermost part of the pillar is referred to as capital. The topmost part of the pillar is carved with the figures of Lion, Elephant, Bull & Horse. All carved figures are mostly of animals and placed on a square or circular abacus, further decorated with stylized lotuses. 

Found at Sarnath, the Mauryan pillar capital widely known as the Lion Capital is the finest example of sculpture showcasing Mauryan tradition.

More than a hundred years ago, the Lion Capital was discovered in Sarnath, near Varanasi. It was built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in commemoration of ‘Dhammachakrapravartana,’ or it can also be referred to as Buddha’s first sermon. There are four Asiatic lions seated back to back engraved on the capital. These four lions symbolize power, courage, pride, and confidence.

The abacus showcases chakra (wheel) in all four directions, and besides every chakra, there is a bull, a horse, an elephant, and a lion engraved on the abacus. This 24 spoke chakra is also adopted in the National Flag of India. 

Yaksha and Yakshi:

Throughout the Maurya period, Yakshas and Yakshinis are featured in popular art. Friendly nature spirits, often known as fertility spirits, are referred to as Yaksha.  Yakshini is the female counterpart of the male Yaksha.

 One of the finest examples of Sculptures of the Mauryan Age, the large statues of Yaksha and Yakshi, are discovered in different places in India like Patna, Vidishi, and Mathura. These statues can be mostly found in the standing position. The faces are depicted in full round shape with pronounced cheeks and physiognomic detail. These statues represent the sensitivity towards depicting the physique of humans. 

The life-size standing statue of Yakshi holding a chauri (flywhisk) is the finest example of Mauryan age sculpture. The statue is made using sandstone with a polished surface and can be found in Didarganj near Patna. 

Rock-cut caves architectures:

During his ruling period, Ashoka also patronized many rock-cut architectures, such as the Sculptures of the Mauryan Age. The majority of them belonged to the Buddhists, and the Jain and Buddhist monks used these caves as their living quarters. The caves constructed during the Mauryan period were marked by the decorative gateways and highly polished finish of the interior walls.

The rock cut-cave carved at the Barabar hills, known as the Lomus Rishi Cave, is the finest example of Mauryan Art and Architecture. It was patronized for the Ajeevika sect by Mauryan emperor Ashoka. The façade of the cave is decorated with a worship place (semicircular Chaitya arc). The interior hall is rectangular, with a circular chamber in the back of the cave.

Stupas and Chaityas:

Part of the Buddhist and Jain monastic complex, stupa, Chaitya, and vihara, are the finest structures of the Mauryan age. The structure of a stupa in the third century B.C. at Bairat, Rajasthan, is one of the best examples. The Great Stupa at Sanchi was initially built by the bricks available at the Mauryan age, and later it was stoned, and several new additions were made. One can discover many Stupas in the country showing the popularity of Buddhism.

When talking about Chaitya, it was a rectangular prayer hall with a stupa placed in the center. The purpose of placing the stupa in the center was prayer, and Viharas, on the other hand, was used as the monks’ residences.  

Conclusion

The Sculptures of the Mauryan Age are considered the finest art present in the country of India. It is the royal art that was patronized by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka. The Mauryan art comprises pillars, stupas, Chaitya, rock-cut cave architecture, and many more. Consider going through this article to know more about the sculptures monumented in the Mauryan age.