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Art and Architecture

2020-04-27 11:56:54


  • Satvahana period
  • extension of Ajanta school.
  • only difference is that figures are tightly modeled having stronger outlines and are more earthly and human.
  • Cave no. 4 aka Rang Mahal.

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  • They were made under the Kalinga King Kharavela in 1st-2nd century BC.
  • The cave complex has both man-made and natural caves.
  • There are 18 caves in Udayagiri and 15 in Khandagiri.
  • famous for the Hathigumpha inscription which is carved out in Brahmi script.
  • highlights various military campaigns undertaken by the King Kharavela.
  • Ranigumpha cave in Udayagiri is double-storied

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  • Developed on the banks of Krishna river under the patronage of the Satvahana rulers.
  • @ More emphasis on the use of dynamic images or narrative art.
  • Excessive use of the Tribhanga posture ie body with 3 bends.
  • @ Used White marbles for making sculptures.
  • It depicts life stories of Buddha, Jataka tales etc.
  • Nagarjunakonda, Amaravati. Goli, Ghantasala, Jaggayyapeta etc were main centers.
  • Various sculptural forms are railings, plinths and other parts of several Stupas.
  • ~ The depiction of Buddha taming a wild elephant is the most important sculpture depicted in the relief on a medallion
  • are well modelled with long legs and slender frames.
  • physical beauty and sensual expressions command this art.
  • Central characters are human beings and nature is supplementary.
  • kings, princes and palace figure prominently in representations.
  • Other depiction are of six bathing women with water pots
  • story of king Udayana and his queen, his march with elephants, horses etc is another.

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  • 24 Buddhist Caves dev during 1st century AD.
  • Caves are Hinayana but Mahayana influence can be seen through use of motifs and symbols like throne and footprints.
  • excellent system of water mgt tanks were carved out of rocks.
  • Votive tablets known as Ayagapata were used for donation and worship in Jainism in early centuries were dicovered in kanakali tila near Mathura.
  • It is decorate with objects and designs sucha stupa, dharmachakra and triratna
  • They were similar to Shilapats which were stone tablets for the worship of Yakshas.

Source : Art and Architecture 200 BCE - 300 CE Chapter from Upinder Singh.