4] Mauryan Art

No significant architectural remains have been found corresponding to the period between the Harappans and the Mauryas. This is probably because buildings were not made of stone in this period.

6thcentury BCE marked the beginning of new socio-religious movements in the Gangetic valley in the form of Buddhism and Jainism which were part of Shraman tradition1. By 4th century BCE, Mauryas established their power and Ashoka patronized Shraman tradition in 3rd century BCE and encouraged the development of distinct sculptural and architectural styles. Religious practices had many dimensions and were not confined to one particular mode of worship. Worship of Yakshas and mother goddesses were prevalent at that time, which later got assimilated into Buddhism and Jainism. Mauryan art represents an important transition in Indian art from use of wood to stone.

1Shraman tradition – Srama means "one who strives" or "Laborer" in Sanskrit and Pali. The term was applied to those who whole heartedly practiced towards enlightenment and was used for monks. Shraman tradition is best kept in term parivrajaka, meaning a homeless wanderer. Shraman tradition gave rise to Jainism and Buddhism and some nāstika schools of Hinduism such as Carvaka and Ajivika. And it is also popular in major Indian religions and concepts such as Sa-Sara (the cycle of birth and death) and moksha (liberation from that cycle).

Mauryan Art

Court Art

(State Initiative)

Popular Art

(Individuals Initiative)

Pillars

Stupas

Sculptures

Caves

Pottery