Question

Analyze the characteristic features of the Gupta Art and compare it with the Mauryan Art?

Answer 1

Approach:

1. Give a brief Introduction to the Mauryan and Gupta Arts.
2. Describe features of the Mauryan arts with examples.
3. Describe features of the Gupta art with examples.
4. Make a comparison between the two periods.
5. Make a befitting conclusion.

Mauryan and Gupta Art:
The Mauryan architecture was mostly composed of wooden materials and they had perished. The pillars and stupas are some of the existing specimens of the Mauryan era. Unlike the Mauryan, the Gupta era has a number of features in existence due to the usage of stone structures.

Features of Mauryan Arts:

• The architecture was mostly made up of wood.
• Pillars erected by Ashoka with inscriptions on them.
• Motifs like Elephant, Bull, and Lion are made to crown the pillars.
• Stupas were built to protect the relics of the Buddha at a number of places.
• Well polished caves are made to the religious monks.

Examples of Mauryan Arts:

• Pillars: Delhi, Allahabad, Rummindei, Saranath, and Sanchi.
• Stupa: Sanchi and Bairat.
• Caves: Barabar hills, Pitalkhora, and Kondane caves.

Features of Gupta Arts:

• Usage of stone architecture was well established.
• The Dravida and Nagara style of architecture developed during this period.
• Structure temples like the temple at Deogarh dedicated to Hindu gods.
• Lifesize metal artifacts are produced.
• Erection of pillars made up of metals.
• Depiction of life of Buddha through painting
• Issue of a number of coins including gold coins.

Examples of Gupta Arts

• Temples: Deogarh and Garhwas near Allahabad.
• Metal Artifacts: Copper statue of Buddha found at Sultanganj.
• Pillars: Bhitari and Delhi Iron Pillar.
• Paintings: Bagh caves and Ajantha caves paintings.
• Coins: Gold coins of Samudragupta.

Comparison:
The Mauryan period mostly consisted of Buddhism and Jainism related architecture. The Gupta period consists of both the Buddhist and the Hindu architecture. The Mauryan arts have perished as they are made of wood. Most of the Gupta architecture perished due to the invasion of Huns.

Conclusion:
Both the period of the Mauryas and Gupta had seen tremendous development in the field of arts and culture. The Gupta period is popularly known as the Golden age, as it has seen huge developments in science, literature, and arts in India.