Write about art and architecture of mauryan period
Answers
The architectural remains have been found between the period of the Harappans and the Mauryas because in this period buildings are not made up of stone. After the decline of Harappan civilization, long gap was generated and in the Mauryan period only monumental stone sculpture, production of masterpieces and architecture appeared. Therefore, Mauryan rule marks an important phase in our cultural history.
Features_of_Mauryan_Art
Mainly in the period of Ashoka, the art and architecture was at its zenith and fall within the category of court art. Ashoka embraced Buddhism and the immense Buddhist missionary activities that followed encouraged the development of distinct sculptural and architectural styles. Let us find out various art and architecture of Mauryan period, which had connected to the lives, activities and patronage of ordinary people. This can be classified into Stupas, Pillars, Caves, Palaces and Potter.
Stupas of Mauryan period
In the Vedic period burial mound of earth and bricks which were erected by the Vedic Aryans were known at that time. In the Mauryan period, mainly in the period of Ashoka numerous stupas were constructed and scattered all over the country. The stupas of solid domes were constructed of brick or stone with different sizes. The Ashoka stupas were constructed to celebrate the achievements of Gautama Buddha. Like stupa at Bairat Rajasthan in the third century B.C., The Great Stupa at Sanchi was built with bricks and several changes were done. The inner wall of the stupa was built either by terracotta bricks or by sun-burnt bricks. The top of the dome was decorated by a wooden or stone umbrella which denotes the universal supremacy of Dharma. Parikrama was also there by encircling the stupa.