The ancient remains of the Indus valley culture discovered in India, are those of the Mauryan period which existed between 322-185 BC. The best specimen of the Mauryan stone sculpture, which can be seen in many museums of India, had a rare feeling for monumental form and royal power. The sculpture has an exquisite finish and a brilliant polish that has not lost its shine even after many years of existence. Among Mauryan sculptures is the Lion Capital in the Sarnath Museum which has been adopted as the State seal of India. Numerous Several Buddhist as well as Jain stupas were also built at Mathura during the rule of the KUSHAN from 1st-2nd century. Buddhism's deep impact in the south is evident from the remains of the great stupas of AMRAVATI and NAGARJUNAKONDA. The sculptor’s art is accomplished on marble in bas-relief and holds great animation and nervous energy. The crowded scenes depict the social life of earlier times and often relate the inspirational tales of life of the Buddha.
The Mauryan period was a period of economic prosperity, important development in religious thinking and practice and also one of remarkable artistic achievements. Megasthenes, who came to India as the ambassador of the Greek ruler Seleucus, described the palace of Chandragupta Maurya in glowing terms. It was large and luxurious and built of carver wood. The earliest stone buildings were based on wooden models.
The monolithic pillars of Ashoka on which are inscribed his famous edicts are the great monuments of the Mauryan age. Some scholars trace these pillars to the influence of Persia. The most striking feature of these pillars is the finely carved capital with magnificent animal figures. We are all familiar with Sarnath lion capital which forms part of India’s National Emblem. The Rampurva Bull capital is one of the best specimens of animal sculpture. The polish and smoothness of these pillars are amazing.
The Mauryan period was a period of economic prosperity, important development in religious thinking and practice and also one of remarkable artistic achievements. Megasthenes, who came to India as the ambassador of the Greek ruler Seleucus, described the palace of Chandragupta Maurya in glowing terms. It was large and luxurious and built of carver wood. The earliest stone buildings were based on wooden models.
The monolithic pillars of Ashoka on which are inscribed his famous edicts are the great monuments of the Mauryan age. Some scholars trace these pillars to the influence of Persia. The most striking feature of these pillars is the finely carved capital with magnificent animal figures. We are all familiar with Sarnath lion capital which forms part of India’s National Emblem. The Rampurva Bull capital is one of the best specimens of animal sculpture. The polish and smoothness of these pillars are amazing.
