Mauryan Art and Architecture: Stupa and Sculptures

Stupas were burial mounds prevalent in India from the Vedic period.
During the period of Ashoka, the art of stupas reached its climax.
Stupas were popularised by the Buddhists.
Materials used for the construction of stupa –
- The core of the stupa was made of unburnt bricks.
- The outer surface was made by using burnt bricks, which were then covered with a thick layer of plaster.
- Medhi and the toran were decorated with wooden sculptures.
After the death of Buddha, nine stupas were erected.
- The location of the nine stupas built after the death of Buddha are Rajagriha, Vaishali, Kapilavastu, Allakappa, Ramagrama, Vethapida, Pava, Kushinagar and Pippalivana.
Parts of Stupa
- Anda – Hemispherical mound symbolic of the mound of dirt used to cover Buddha’s remains (in many stupas actual relics were used).
- Harmika – Square railing on top of the mound.
- Chhatra – Central pillar supporting a triple umbrella form.
- Medhi – Pedestrian path for devotees to pay homage.

Sanchi Stupa

Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh is the most famous of the Ashokan stupas.
It has been a UNESCO world heritage site since 1989.
It contains images of shalabhanjikas – a lady holding the branch of a tree. Stories from the Jataka tales are carved on it.
The structure has a lower and upper pradakshinapatha or circumambulatory path. The upper pradakshinapatha is unique to this stupa.
On the southern side of the stupa, the Ashokan Lion Capital pillar is found with inscriptions on it.

Two of the most famous sculptures of the Mauryan period are those of Yaksha and Yakshi.
They were objects of worship related to all three religions – Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
The earliest mention of yakshi can be found in Silappadikaram, a Tamil text.
The torso of the nude male figure found at Lohanipur at Patna.
Example: Didargunj Yakshi was found at Didargunj village at Patna.

Pic Credit – Wikimedia Commons