The art produced during the reign of Mauryan Empire is referred to as the Mauryan Art. The Mauryan empire was the first empire that ruled most of the Indian Subcontinent between 322 and 185 BCE.
Mauryan art was an important transition in the Indian Art Form, from Wood to Stone to make sculptures. Among the prominent survivals are the Pillars, Caves and Stupas. Most important developments during the Mauryan era were the political breakthrough. Greek Influences during Chandragupta Maurya’s period were attributed to the Indo-Greek Rule.
Important Monuments
The best known works are the elaborately carved animal capitals. The Lion Capital of Ashoka from Sarnath is the National Emblem of India. Major monuments include decorated pillars of the Maurya Palace in Pataliputra (Bihar), the “Yaksha and Yakshini” from Pataliputra and Didarganj, Ashoka Pillars made in sandstone.
A Capital in architecture is the topmost member of a column. Rampurva Capitals are the capitals of a pair of Ashoka Pillars discovered from the archaeological site Rampurva located in the West Champaran district of Bihar. The Lion Capital and the Bull Capital are important capitals of Ashoka Pillars.
