write a short note about mauriyan art
Answers
The Great Mauryan ruler Ashoka embraced Buddhism (as a part of shraman tradition) and the immense Buddhist missionary activities that followed during his rule paved the way for the development of Mauryan sculptural and architectural styles.
King Ashoka patronized the shraman tradition in the third century BCE.
The shraman tradition refers to several Indian religious movements parallel to but separate from the historical vedic religion.
It includes Jainism, Buddhism, and others such as Ajivikas, and Carvakas.
Background
In 321 BC, Chandragupta Maurya, with the help of Chanakya (author of Arthashasthra) founded the Mauryan dynasty after overthrowing Nanda Dynasty.
The Mauryan Empire was the first most powerful Indian empire to bring the entire Indian subcontinent under a single rule.
The Mauryan empire under Chandragupta Maurya spread its boundaries into Central Asia and Persia.
Expansion of Mauryan Empire: Chandragupta Maurya was succeeded by his son Bindusara in 298 BC who expanded the kingdom over most of present-day India, except Kalinga.
Mauryan Dynasty under Ashoka: Bindusara's kingdom was inherited by his son Ashoka the Great in 274 B.C.
Kalinga Invasion: During the invasion of Kalinga, Ashoka renounced bloodshed and adopted the policy of Ahimsa and adopted Buddhism.
Mauryan Art and Architecture
Mauryan architecture can be divided into Court Art and Popular Art.