Mauryan Architecture (322-182 BC), Stupas, Pillars and Rock Cut Architecture

The Mauryan Empire, thriving from the 4th to 2nd centuries BC (322 BC to 182 BC), made a profound impact on Indian history through its artistic and architectural achievements. Notably, Mauryan Architecture of sandstone pillars, featuring inscriptions of Emperor Ashoka’s edicts, became iconic symbols. Stupas, grand dome-shaped Buddhist shrines, showcased the Empire’s architectural prowess, while viharas, housing Buddhist monks, reflected a commitment to religious support. Mauryan artistic expression, marked by stone carving, reached new heights during this period, contributing to the era’s aesthetic appeal and leaving a lasting legacy in Indian cultural history.

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Mauryan Architecture Background

Founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 321 BC, the Mauryan Empire marked a significant era in Indian history. Following the decline of stone structures between the Harappan and Mauryan periods, a cultural renaissance unfolded during Mauryan rule.

This period witnessed the prominence of monumental stone sculpture and architecture, reaching its zenith under Ashoka’s reign. The emphasis shifted to court art, with Ashoka’s adoption of Buddhism influencing distinctive sculptural and architectural styles. Stupas, Pillars, Caves, Palaces, and Potteries emerged as expressions intertwined with the lives and patronage of ordinary people.

Stupas, crucial religious structures, housed Buddha’s relics and served as places of worship. Pillars, erected as memorials, bore inscriptions of Ashoka’s edicts. Caves, adorned with intricate carvings, provided spaces for meditation and worship. Palaces, grand edifices with gardens and courtyards, sheltered the royal family. Potters, integral to the era, crafted various pottery, including terracotta figurines and utensils. This period exemplified remarkable artistic and architectural achievements, focusing on Buddhist themes and the support of the common populace.

Features of Mauryan Architecture

1. Wooden Construction: Predominantly built with wood, both Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka’s palaces exemplified Mauryan architecture.
2. Kumrahar Significance: Kumrahar in Patna showcased notable Mauryan palaces, featuring intricate carvings and designs.
3. Multifunctional Palaces: Used for governance, administration, and hosting guests, Mauryan palaces served diverse purposes.
4. Lost Structures: While some palaces succumbed to time, remaining ones at Kumrahar offer glimpses into the empire’s grandeur.
5. Opulence and Wealth: Reflecting the empire’s prosperity, Mauryan palaces demonstrated opulence through their design and construction.
6. Architectural Diversity: From wooden palaces to rock-cut caves, Mauryan architecture exhibited versatility and adaptation to different terrains.
7. Historical Insights: The surviving structures provide valuable insights into ancient Indian architecture, design, and cultural practices.
8. Cultural Significance: Mauryan architecture reflects the cultural richness and administrative acumen of the Mauryan Empire.

Classification of Mauryan Architecture

Mauryan architecture can be classified into several distinct categories, each representing different aspects of the architectural achievements during the Mauryan Empire:

Mauryan Architecture: Stupas

Stupas, symbolic burial mounds, held great significance during the Mauryan period, rooted in Buddhist traditions. According to Buddhist scriptures, Buddha’s remains were divided into eight parts, each enshrined in stupas. During Ashoka’s reign, the dispersion of these relics led to the construction of new stupas, becoming distinct hemispherical domed structures with robust construction, typically inaccessible.

Nine Stupas of the Mauryan Period

1. Kapilvastu
2. Kushinara
3. Ramgram
4. Vaishali
5. Pavapuri
6. Rajgir
7. Piplavan
8. Vidthapida
9. Allakappa

The ancient stupa at Sanchi originally enclosed in brick walls and a wooden railing underwent expansions, eventually replaced by a stone railing. By the 1st century BC, stupas featured a base, circumambulatory walkway, and elaborately carved stone barriers with entrances in four principal directions. The Harmika, a square railing supporting the imperial umbrella, varied in number and size.

Sculptures from this period are renowned, found in locations such as Sanchi, Bharhut, and Bodh Gaya in the north, as well as Amaravati and Nagarjuna in the south. The evolution of stupas in design and adornment showcases the rich artistic and architectural heritage of the Mauryan Empire.

Mauryan Architecture: Pillars

The Mauryan Pillars are a series of stone columns erected during the reign of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, who ruled over a large part of the Indian subcontinent from 268 BCE to 232 BCE. These pillars are significant for their inscriptions, which convey Ashoka’s edicts and messages promoting Buddhist principles and moral values. Here are some key details about the Mauryan Pillars:

Material and Construction:

• The pillars were primarily made of two types of stone, sandstone, and buff-colored fine-grained hard sandstone. The pillars were usually monolithic, carved from a single piece of stone.
• The pillars varied in height, with some reaching up to 50 feet (15 meters).

Design and Architecture:

• The pillars were generally cylindrical in shape, with a bell-shaped or inverted lotus-like base.
• At the top of each pillar was a capital, often adorned with an animal figure, such as lions, elephants, or bulls. The most famous of these is the Lion Capital of Ashoka, which is now the national emblem of India.

Inscriptions:

• The most remarkable feature of the Mauryan Pillars is the inscriptions. These inscriptions were written in Prakrit, a vernacular language of ancient India, using the Brahmi script.
• The inscriptions conveyed Ashoka’s messages on various topics, including morality, dharma (righteousness), religious tolerance, and the promotion of Buddhism.

Distribution:

• The Mauryan Pillars were erected at key locations throughout the Mauryan Empire, including present-day India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
• Some of the famous locations where these pillars were erected include Sarnath, Sanchi, and Lauriya-Araraj.

Purpose:

• The primary purpose of the pillars was to disseminate Ashoka’s edicts and teachings to a wide audience. The inscriptions often emphasized the importance of moral conduct, non-violence, tolerance, and respect for all religious beliefs.

Lion Capital of Ashoka:

• The Lion Capital of Ashoka is particularly noteworthy. It consists of four lions standing back to back, symbolizing Ashoka’s rule over the four corners of his empire. This capital is now preserved at the Sarnath Museum.

Similarities with Persian (Achamenian) Pillars

Differences with Persian (Achamenian) Pillars

Mauryan Architecture: Caves

Barabar Hills Caves and Nagarjun Hills Caves

The Barabar Hills Caves and Nagarjun Hills Caves, dating back to the Mauryan period, are notable for their architectural and historical significance. Among the Barabar Hills Caves are the Lomas Rishi cave, Sudama cave, Karnchopar cave, and Vishwa cave, while the Nagarjun Hills Caves include Gopi ka kubha cave and VaDythika ka kubha cave.

• Lomas Rishi Cave: Part of the Barabar Hills Caves, this cave stands out for its intricate rock-cut architecture, showcasing the mastery of Mauryan artisans.
• Sudama Cave: Another creation within the Barabar Hills Caves, the Sudama cave reflects the artistic finesse of the Mauryan period.
• Karnchopar Cave: This cave, located in the Barabar Hills, is an example of the architectural brilliance of the Mauryan era.
• Vishwa Cave: Among the Barabar Hills Caves, the Vishwa cave contributes to the rich heritage of rock-cut architecture during the Mauryan reign.
• Gopi ka Kubha Cave: Situated in the Nagarjun Hills, this cave is a testament to the diverse rock-cut structures associated with the Mauryan period.
• VaDythika ka Kubha Cave: Another cave in the Nagarjun Hills, VaDythika ka Kubha exemplifies the intricate craftsmanship of Mauryan artisans in rock-cut architecture.

Mauryan Architecture: Pottery

Northern Black Polish Ware (NBPW)

A distinctive form of Mauryan pottery, Northern Black Polish Ware (NBPW), serves as a luxurious ceramic with a highly lustrous black finish. Primarily produced in Kosambi and Patliputra, NBPW is renowned for its artistic quality and is considered a symbol of opulence.

• Luxurious Appeal: NBPW ceramics are often used as luxury items due to their highly polished black finish, reflecting the aesthetic preferences of the Mauryan era.
• Production Centers: The pottery is manufactured in prominent centers like Kosambi and Patliputra, showcasing the widespread influence of Mauryan artistic endeavors.

Mauryan Architecture: Mauryan Sculpture

Advancements and Characteristics

During the Mauryan period, Indian sculpture witnessed significant advancements, with guilds of artisans supporting Ashoka’s initiatives. The emperor, in his efforts to promote Buddhism, declared himself the protector of Dhamma, issuing edicts in both Pali and Brahmi.

• Yaksha Worship: Mauryan art prominently features monumental paintings depicting Yasgha, Yakhinis, animals, and rock-cut caves. The prevalence of Yaksha worship is evident in the incorporation of Yaksha and Yakshini statues in religious structures.
• Craftsmanship: The craftsmanship displayed in Mauryan sculptures is remarkable, emphasizing the artists’ skill in representing the human body. Notable examples include the gleaming Yakshi statue found in places like Patna, Vidisha, and Mathura.
• Polishing Technique: One distinctive feature of Mauryan art is the dazzling polish applied to stone surfaces. This technique enhances the inherent beauty of the stone, providing a mirror-like shine.
• Relief Carvings: Mauryan sculptures excel in carving reliefs on stone surfaces, showcasing intricate details and beautiful elements. Examples, such as the Dhauli elephant models in Odisha, exemplify the mastery of Mauryan artists.

 Mauryan Architecture: Palaces

Mauryan palaces, renowned for their opulence, were primarily constructed from wood, a material favored by both Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka. Among the notable sites, Kumrahar in modern-day Patna stands out as a hub of Mauryan palace architecture, featuring some of the most remarkable examples.

These palaces, adorned with intricate carvings and designs, served multifaceted purposes for the Mauryan rulers. They functioned as centers for governance, administration, and the hosting of esteemed guests. While the ravages of time have claimed some of these structures, the remaining palaces at Kumrahar offer a captivating glimpse into the wealth and grandeur of the Mauryan Empire.

Beyond their historical significance, these palaces contribute valuable insights into the architectural prowess and design sensibilities of ancient India. As enduring remnants of a bygone era, they stand as tangible witnesses to the multifunctional roles that Mauryan palaces played in the administration and cultural life of this ancient empire.

Mauryan Architecture UPSC

Mauryan architecture, a hallmark of ancient India, reflects the grandeur of the Mauryan Empire. Notable for wooden palaces, exemplified in Kumrahar, Patna, it underscores administrative sophistication. These multifunctional structures served governance, administration, and hospitality. Although time claimed some, surviving palaces offer glimpses into opulence. Mauryan architecture, adaptable and diverse, includes rock-cut caves, showcasing the empire’s architectural prowess. Beyond aesthetic appeal, these structures provide historical insights into ancient Indian culture and administrative efficiency, making Mauryan architecture a crucial aspect of India’s heritage, significant for aspirants preparing for the UPSC examination.

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