Table of Contents
Introduction: Gupta Art and Architecture
Gupta art and architecture refer to the artistic and architectural achievements of the Gupta Empire, which ruled ancient India from approximately 320 to 550 CE.
The Gupta period is often considered a golden age in Indian history for significant advancements in various fields, including art, architecture, science, and literature.
Gupta Art and Architecture
- The monuments of architecture are of two categories – rock-cut caves and free-standing temples.
- By cutting the mountains Buddhists built two types of caves – “chaityas (houses of worship) and “viharas” (place of dwelling for monks).
Ajanta Caves: Gupta Art and Architecture
Ajanta caves are renowned for rock-cut architecture, sculptures, and vibrant murals, which are considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art.
- Location: The Ajanta Caves are situated in the Western Ghat, approximately 100 kilometers from the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra. Aurangabad is the tourism capital of Maharashtra.
- Origin: The caves were built from the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE. They were created in two phases:
- the early Hinayana Buddhist phase (2nd century BCE to 1st century CE) and
- the Mahayana phase (5th century CE).
- Type of Art: A diverse range of artistic styles is seen in these caves, representing influences from different periods. These include:-
- The Gandhara and Mathura schools of art from the Kushana period,
- The Sarnath school of art from the Gupta period, and
- The Amaravati school of art from the late Satavahana and Ikshvaku periods.
- Architecture: The Ajanta Caves consist of a series of rock-cut monastic complexes, comprising chaityas (prayer halls) and viharas (monasteries). These structures were carved out of the volcanic basalt rock and embellished with intricate architectural details such as pillars, columns, and facades.
- Artwork: The Ajanta Caves are renowned for their magnificent murals and sculptures, which depict scenes from the life of the Buddha, Jataka tales (stories of the Buddha’s previous lives), and various celestial beings. The paintings are executed in vibrant colors and showcase a high level of artistic skill and expression.
- Themes: The artwork in the Ajanta Caves predominantly follows Buddhist themes. However, there are also depictions of secular subjects, including courtly life, royal processions, and scenes from everyday life.
- Patronage: The first phase of Ajanta Caves received patronage from the traders as it is located on the ancient trade route of Dakshinapatha. The second phase received patronage from the Vakatakas.
- Rediscovery: The Ajanta Caves were rediscovered by a British officer, John Smith, in 1819. Since then, they have attracted visitors and scholars from around the world.
- The Ajanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1983).
Ellora Caves
The Ellora Caves, located in the state of Maharashtra, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for their remarkable rock-cut architecture and religious significance.
- Location:
- Ellora is situated about 30 kilometers from the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra.
- The site comprises a complex of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain cave temples and monasteries, dating back to the 6th to 9th centuries CE.
- Each cave is carved out of solid rock on the Charanandri hills.
- Art and Architecture:
- The caves at Ellora represent a fusion of various architectural styles and religious influences.
- The structures range from simple monastic cells to multi-story temples.
- The most famous cave at Ellora is Cave 16, also known as the Kailasa Temple. It is the largest monolithic structure in the world, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- The artwork within the caves includes elaborate sculptures, intricately carved columns, and beautifully crafted ceilings.
- Religious Significance:
- The caves at Ellora encompass Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain religious sites, reflecting the religious harmony that prevailed during the period of their construction.
- There are more than 100 caves at Ellora but 34 are open to the public (12 Buddhist (caves 1–12), 17 Hindu (caves 13–29), and 5 Jain (caves 30–34) caves).
- Caves 1 to 12 are Buddhist, representing the Vajrayana and Mahayana traditions.
- Caves 13 to 29 are Hindu, dedicated to various deities like Shiva, Vishnu, and Durga.
- Caves 30 to 34 are Jain, featuring Jain temples and monasteries.
- Period:
- The caves were built during the rule of various dynasties, including the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, and Yadavas.
- Construction at Ellora spanned several centuries, with work beginning around the 6th century CE and continuing into the 9th century CE.
- The caves were the centers of religious worship, meditation, and learning for monks, pilgrims, and devotees.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site:
- Ellora Caves were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
Elephanta Caves
- Location: The Elephanta Caves are located on Elephanta Island in Mumbai Harbor. Elephanta Island, originally known as Gharapuri, is situated about 10 kilometers east of Mumbai (Bombay) in the Arabian Sea.
- History: The Elephanta Caves are believed to have been constructed between mid-5th to 6th centuries CE, during the rule of the Kalachuri dynasty.
- Architecture: The Elephanta Caves consist of a series of rock-cut caves carved out of solid basalt rock. The main cave, known as the Great Cave or Cave 1, is the most elaborate and features a large hall with numerous sculptural panels and a sanctum housing a Shiva lingam. The cave also contains a series of interconnected chambers, pillars, and courtyards.
- Sculptures: The most significant feature of the Elephanta Caves is the exquisite sculptures dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main deity depicted in the caves is Maheshamurti, a form of Shiva as the Great Lord.
- Themes: The sculptures in the Elephanta Caves primarily depict scenes from Hindu mythology, focusing on the legends and attributes of Lord Shiva. Some of the notable panels include:-
- Shiva’s marriage to Parvati,
- his incarnation as Nataraja (the cosmic dancer), and
- his battle with demons.
- It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Gupta Temple Architecture
Key Features of Gupta Temple Architecture
- Early Temples: The early Gupta temples were small and simple which comprised a single square sanctum (garbhagriha) without any mandapa (pillared hall). The temple was often flat-roofed, with no shikhara (tower) above the sanctum.
- Later Temples: Over time, the temples became more complex, with the introduction of pillared halls (mandapas) and a shikhara. The evolution of the shikhara began during this period.
- Materials Used: Gupta temples were predominantly constructed using stone, though brick was also used in some regions. The use of stone allowed for more elaborate carvings and durable structures, many of which have survived.
- Plan and Layout:
- Square Sanctum (Garbhagriha): The central feature of a Gupta temple was the garbhagriha, which housed the main deity. This sanctum was usually square in plan.
- Flat Roof or Early Shikhara: The roof of the temple was either flat or had an early form of the shikhara. The shikhara was usually a pyramidal or curvilinear structure, representing Mount Meru, the mythical mountain at the center of the universe.
- Open or Closed Mandapa: Some temples had a mandapa, a pillared hall that served as an antechamber to the sanctum. In the early Gupta period, these were often open; later examples show enclosed mandapas.
- Decorative Elements:
- Carvings and Sculptures: The exterior and interior walls of Gupta temples were adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. These included depictions of deities, mythological scenes, floral patterns, and geometric designs. The precision and grace of the carvings are notable features of Gupta art.
- Lintels and Doorways: The doorways and lintels of Gupta temples were often richly decorated, featuring images of river goddesses like Ganga and Yamuna, and other divine figures.
List of Famous Temples
Dashavatara Temple Location: Present-day Lalitpur district of Uttar Pradesh. | Period: 5th or early 6th century CE. Architecture: Nagara style of temple architecture. Sculptures: The Dashavatara Temple is famous for its exquisite sculptures, particularly the panels depicting the ten incarnations (avatars) of Lord Vishnu, known as the Dashavatara. Each avatar is depicted in a separate panel. Religious Significance: The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. |
Bhumara Temple Location: Bhumara village is situated near Satna in Madhya Pradesh | Period: 5th or 6th century CE. Religious Significance: It is believed to have been dedicated to a form of Lord Shiva. |
Bhitargaon Temple Location: Bhitargaon village is located in the Kanpur district of Uttar Pradesh. | Period: 5th or 6th century CE. Architecture: The temple is an excellent example of early North Indian brick temple architecture. It follows the Nagara style of temple architecture, characterized by its curvilinear spire (shikhara) rising above the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha). the largest brick temple to survive. It is showcasing the mastery of brick construction and terracotta artistry during that era. |
Tigawa Temple Location: The Tigawa Temple is located in Tigawa village, near Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh. | Period: 5th century CE. Religious Significance: The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. |
| Parvati Temple, Nachna Location: Nachna-Kuthara village, Panna district in Madhya Pradesh | The Temple is also known as the Parvati Temple. Period: 5th- or 6th-century CE |
Lakshman Brick Temple Location: Sirpur, Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh | Period: 7th-8th centuries CE. Sculptures: Vishnu reclining on Sesha (Anantasayana Vishnu) and a panel showing Krishna from the Bhagavata Purana |
Gop Temple Location: Zinavari village, Jamnagar district, Gujarat | Period: late 6th century Religious Significance: Sun Temple |
Sculptures: Gupta Art and Architecture
- The two main centers of Gupta sculpture are Mathura and Sarnath.
- The subjects of these sculptures are associated with Buddhism and mythological events of Hinduism.
| Sculpture | Location |
|---|---|
Terracotta head of Buddha (375-400) | Devni Mori (A Buddhist archaeological site in northern Gujarat) The influence of the Gandhara art is seen here |
Buddha in seated position (410 CE) | Kahu-Jo-Darro stupa at Mirpur Khas, Sindh, Pakistan |
Trimurti | Elephanta Caves, Elephanta Island, Mumbai Harbour |
Eran Varaha | Eran is an ancient town and archaeological site in Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh. Eran is mentioned as Airikina in the inscription of Samudragupta). |
Vishnu in Varaha Avatar | Udayagiri caves, Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh (400 CE) |
Coinage: Gupta Art and Architecture
- Gold Coins: The most famous and numerous coins of the Gupta Empire are the gold coins, known as dinaras. These coins were typically made of high-purity gold, reflecting the wealth and economic stability of the empire.
- Silver Coins: Though less common than gold, silver coins were also issued by the Gupta rulers, particularly during the later years of the dynasty. These coins were usually modeled after earlier Indo-Scythian or Kushan coinage.
- Copper Coins: The Gupta rulers also issued copper coins, though these are relatively rare compared to their gold and silver counterparts.
Examples of Gupta Coins
- Chandragupta I (c. 320-335 CE):
- Kumaradevi Type: One of the earliest Gupta coins, this gold coin depicts Chandragupta I and his queen Kumaradevi standing together, emphasizing the dynastic alliance through marriage. The reverse side features the goddess Lakshmi.
- Samudragupta (c. 335-375 CE):
- Lyrist Type: This gold coin shows Samudragupta playing a lyre, highlighting his cultural patronage and love for music. The reverse side features the goddess Saraswati, associated with learning and the arts.
- Ashvamedha Type: Issued to commemorate Samudragupta’s performance of the Ashvamedha sacrifice, this coin depicts the sacrificial horse on the obverse and a queen offering a ritual on the reverse.
- Chandragupta II (c. 380-415 CE):
- Archer Type: One of the most common Gupta coin types, this gold coin shows Chandragupta II holding a bow in his left hand and an arrow in his right, symbolizing his military strength. The reverse side features the goddess Lakshmi seated on a lotus.
- Horseman Type: This coin depicts Chandragupta II on horseback, emphasizing his role as a warrior king. The reverse side often shows a depiction of the goddess Ganga with a lotus in her hand.
- Kumaragupta I (c. 415-455 CE):
- Peacock Type: This gold coin features Kumaragupta I feeding a peacock, a symbol of beauty and pride. The reverse side shows the god Kartikeya, associated with warfare and victory, seated on a peacock.
- Lion-slayer Type: Depicts the king slaying a lion, symbolizing his bravery and strength, with the reverse side showing a goddess, possibly Durga.
- Skandagupta (c. 455-467 CE):
- Horseman Type: Similar to his predecessors, Skandagupta’s coin depicts him on horseback, symbolizing his military prowess. The reverse side features the goddess Lakshmi.
- Archer Type: This gold coin type shows Skandagupta with a bow and arrow, with a depiction of Lakshmi on the reverse.
- A variety of gold coins were found with inscriptions in classical Sanskrit for the first time on Indian coins.
Gupta Paintings: Gupta Art and Architecture
Ajanta Cave Paintings
- The Ajanta Caves are renowned for their exquisite paintings.
- Technique: The paintings in the Ajanta Caves were executed using the fresco technique, where pigments are applied directly onto wet plaster. This technique allowed the colors to seep into the plaster, resulting in vibrant and long-lasting paintings.
- Themes:
- The paintings at Ajanta primarily depict stories from the life of the Buddha, Jataka tales (stories of the Buddha’s previous lives), and various Buddhist divinities and celestial beings.
- They also portray scenes from Indian mythology, such as those from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
- Additionally, there are depictions of daily life activities, royal processions, and courtly scenes.
Bagh Cave Paintings
- Location: The Bagh Caves are located in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, near the town of Bagh. They are situated on the southern slopes of the Vindhya Range.
- Period: The cave paintings at Bagh are believed to date back to the Gupta period (5th to 6th centuries CE).
- Technique: The paintings at Bagh were executed using the fresco technique, similar to those found in the Ajanta Caves.
Mathura art: Gupta Art and Architecture
- Mathura art refers to the artistic tradition that flourished in the city of Mathura, located in present-day Uttar Pradesh.
- This art form emerged during the Kushan period, between the 1st and 3rd centuries CE, and continued to thrive until the 6th century CE.
Characteristics
- Mathura art is primarily known for its sculptures, which predominantly depict religious themes, particularly related to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
- The sculptures are typically made of red sandstone, though other materials like schist were also used.
- The art style is characterized by a blend of indigenous Indian traditions with Hellenistic influences, reflecting the cultural exchange that occurred during the Kushan Empire.
- Mathura sculptures often feature sensuous figures, graceful postures, intricate detailing, and a sense of movement.
Notable Art
- The Yaksha and Yakshi statues from Mathura are famous examples of Mathura art.
- The image of the Buddha in various poses, especially the standing and seated postures, is another prominent feature of Mathura art.
- Mathura Art also produced numerous images of Hindu deities like Shiva, Vishnu, and Devi, often depicted in various forms and incarnations.
Patronage
- Mathura art received patronage from rulers of the Kushan dynasty, as well as from wealthy merchants and local communities who commissioned sculptures for religious and commemorative purposes.
- Buddhist and Jain monasteries, as well as Hindu temples, were major patrons of Mathura art, commissioning sculptures to adorn their religious structures.
Cause of Decline
- The decline of the Kushan Empire and the subsequent political instability in the region.
- The rise of new ruling dynasties and the shift of political power away from Mathura.
Gupta Art and Architecture UPSC Questions
In which of the following rock-cut caves eleven headed Bodhisattva image is depicted? (UP-PCS 2017)
(a) Ajanta
(b) Ellora
(c) Kanheri
(d) Karle
Ans: (c) Kanheri.
Explanation –
Location: The Kanheri Caves are located within the territory of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, in the western part of Mumbai. The name “Kanheri” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Krishnagiri,” which means “black mountain.”
Historical Significance: The caves contain Buddhist sculptures, relief carvings, paintings, and inscriptions dating from the 1st century CE to the 10th century CE.
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