New Delhi Museum鈥擬aurya, Shunga and Satavahana [Photo gallery]
These photographs are from the section 鈥淢aurya, Shunga and Satavahana Arts鈥� within the National Museum of New Delhi (India). The Mauryan, Shunga, and Satavahana dynasties have distinct yet interconnected roles in the evolution of Indian art and culture. Throughout these periods, terracotta art evolved considerably, reflecting cultural and technical exchanges, and iconography transitioned from aniconic to anthropomorphic depictions in Buddhist contexts. These dynasties collectively influenced the stylistic and thematic growth of Indian art.
(1) The Mauryan Empire, founded by Chandragupta Maurya in the 4th Century B.C.E., marked a significant phase of political unification and urbanization in India. Under Emperor Asoka, the empire expanded extensively, and art began to manifest on durable materials like stone. Mauryan sculptures, influenced by indigenous and Achaemenid sources, are noted for their polished buff sandstone.
(2) The Shunga Dynasty (2nd-1st Century B.C.E.), established by Pushyamitra Shunga, witnessed a departure from the Mauryan polish, focusing on indigenous sculptures used to adorn stupas. This period emphasized sculptural depictions of Buddha's life and folk tales, with a surge in terracotta figurines due to advanced moulding techniques.
(3) The Satavahana Dynasty (2nd Century B.C.E. to 1st Century C.E.), successors in the Deccan region, contributed significantly to Buddhist art, particularly at sites like Amaravathi. They advanced stone and terracotta art, introducing a double mould technique.
Gallery: 16 images
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