Arts of the Mauryan PeriodClass 11 Fine Arts NCERT Solutions
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Q1Exercise
Do you think that the art of making sculptures in India began during the Mauryan period?
Solution
Based on the provided text, while some artistic traditions like constructing pillars were old, the Mauryan period marks a significant phase for the beginning of large-scale, monumental stone sculpture in India. The chapter highlights that monumental figure sculptures, stone pillars, and rock-cut caves belonging to the third century BCE were carved at several places under Mauryan patronage.
The text points to the highly polished surfaces of Mauryan sculptures, such as the Yakshi from Didarganj, and the skill of the carvers in creating monolithic rock-cut pillars, which were distinct from the earlier Achamenian pillars. The worship of Yakshas was prevalent even before Buddhism, but the creation of their large stone statues, as found in Patna, Vidisha, and Mathura, is a characteristic feature of this period. Therefore, while some forms of art may have existed earlier, the tradition of creating enduring, monumental art in stone appears to have flourished and began on a significant scale during the Mauryan period.
Q2Exercise
What was the significance of the stupa and how did stupa architecture develop?
Solution
The primary significance of the stupa was that it was constructed over the relics of the Buddha. Stupas are sacred structures in Buddhist and Jaina monastic complexes and became objects of worship, as indicated by the theme of 'stupa worship' in art.
The architecture of the stupa developed significantly over time:
- Early Phase: In the third century BCE, stupas were built over the Buddha's relics in various places. An early example is the stupa at Bairat, Rajasthan. The great stupa at Sanchi was initially built with bricks during the time of Ashoka.
- Later Developments: From the second century BCE onwards, stupas were built more elaborately. The original brick stupas were often covered with stone, and new additions were made.
- Architectural Additions: Key additions included enclosing the circumambulatory path (pradakshina path) with railings and adding gateways (toranas). These additions provided ample space for sculptural decoration, depicting events from the Buddha's life and Jataka stories.
- Core Structure: Despite these additions, the basic structure, consisting of a cylindrical drum, a circular 'anda' (hemispherical dome), and a 'harmika' and 'chhatra' on top, remained consistent.
Q3Exercise
Which were the four events in the life of the Buddha which have been depicted in different forms of Buddhist art? What did these events symbolise?
Solution
The text mentions that several main events from the life of the Buddha were frequently depicted in Buddhist art. Four of these significant events are:
- Birth: This event represents the beginning of the Buddha's life on Earth as Siddhartha Gautama. It is the foundational event of his journey towards becoming the enlightened one.
- Enlightenment: This is the moment when Prince Siddhartha attained supreme knowledge and became the Buddha under the Bodhi tree. It symbolises the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice—the attainment of nirvana and freedom from suffering.
- Dhammachakrapravartana: This translates to the 'first sermon' delivered by the Buddha at Sarnath. It symbolises the setting in motion of the 'Wheel of Dharma' or his teachings. The Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath was built to commemorate this event and is a powerful symbol of it.
- Mahaparinibbana: This refers to the death of the Buddha and his liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth. It symbolises the final release from worldly existence and the attainment of the ultimate state beyond suffering.
Q4Exercise
What are the Jatakas? How do the Jatakas relate to Buddhism? Find out.
Solution
Based on the text, the Jatakas are narrative stories that became an important part of the Buddhist tradition. While the text does not define them explicitly, it presents them as stories that, along with events from the Buddha's life, were used for sculptural decoration on Buddhist monuments.
The Jatakas relate to Buddhism in the following ways:
- Integral to Buddhist Art: The Jataka stories became an equally important theme for sculptural decorations as the main events of the Buddha's life. They were prominently depicted on the railings and gateways (torans) of stupas.
- Narrative Tradition: They were a key component of the narrative tradition in Buddhist art. The text mentions that synoptic, continuous, and episodic narrative forms were used to depict these stories.
- Popular Themes: The popularity and importance of Jatakas are shown by the frequent depiction of specific stories, such as the Chhadanta Jataka, Vessantara Jataka, and Ruru Jataka, on various Buddhist monuments.