what were the chief characteristics of architectural activities between 200 B.C.-300 A.D?
Answers
1) related to religious symbols
2) construction of stupas, chaityas, and vihars became prominent
3) terracotta tiles were used
4) use of minarettes, arch, and beams were introduced
The chief characteristics of architectural activities between 200 B.C.-300 A.D are explained below:
1. Art activities in this period were mostly related to religions practised in this period and symbols and units associated with them. 2. The Buddha image which began tobe sculpted in this period was a departure from earlier representations of him in the form of Bodhi tree, Stupa,foot prints etc. Making of images for worship became common among other religions as well. 3. The construction of Stupas, Chaityas and Viharas became popular. 4.The art forms and all of their symbolic representations were not exclusive to any particular religion. For example, the Bharhut and Sanchi Stupasnot only depict scenes from the life of the Buddha but also the reliefs of Yakshas, Yakshinis,Nagas and other popular deities. 5. Similarly, we find that the artists, in order to decorate the Stupas,carved many scenes which they observed in nature along with religious ideas. In fact, these are examples of secular art forms. 6. Because of regular interactions with other cultures in this period we also find elements of non-Indian art in the artistic creations of this period. This is particularly true of the Gandhara region which produced art typical to the region, in which many different elements came to be assimilated.
The architecture of this period can be broadly dividedin two categories:
i) Residential structures
ii) Religious monuments
Under the first category we have very few surviving monuments since in the initial phase they were built of perishable materials like wood. However, a number of monuments have survived on unearthed through excavations which come under the second category.