Mauryan Architecture
• In the rear part of the Vedic period, the progressive section of
the society started Sramana Movement (Sramana - one who
strives for his own enlightenment).
• It was an anti-Vedic movement which was against the
discriminatory practices of Vedic period like sub-ordination of
women and Shudras, Brahmanical domination, complex Vedic
rituals, animal sacrifices, etc.
• Later Buddha and Mahavira emerged as the tallest leader of
Sramana Movement. Sramana Movement also gave rise to
Ajivikas.
• When Mauryas came to power, they too started to patronise
Sramana tradition. They created many structures for the
branches of Sramanas.
Architecture of Mauryas -
1. Cave Architecture
2. Stupa Architecture
3. Sculpture Architecture
4. Pillars
5. Pottery
1. Mauryan Caves (Rock-cut Cave Architecture)
• They were considered as the first man-made caves in India.
• The Mauryan Caves were highly polished from inside and a very
beautiful semi-circular façade shaped was created on the
entrance.
, • Most of the caves were created by Ashoka and his grandson
Dashrath.
• These caves were created for Ajivika Monks.
• Example - Lomas Rishi Cave, Sudama Cave (Barabar and
Nagarjuni hills, Bihar), Dhauli Cave of Odishi, etc.
• In front of Dhauli Cave, a large elephant structure was created
by Mauryans.
Lomas Rishi Cave
Dhauli Cave
• In the rear part of the Vedic period, the progressive section of
the society started Sramana Movement (Sramana - one who
strives for his own enlightenment).
• It was an anti-Vedic movement which was against the
discriminatory practices of Vedic period like sub-ordination of
women and Shudras, Brahmanical domination, complex Vedic
rituals, animal sacrifices, etc.
• Later Buddha and Mahavira emerged as the tallest leader of
Sramana Movement. Sramana Movement also gave rise to
Ajivikas.
• When Mauryas came to power, they too started to patronise
Sramana tradition. They created many structures for the
branches of Sramanas.
Architecture of Mauryas -
1. Cave Architecture
2. Stupa Architecture
3. Sculpture Architecture
4. Pillars
5. Pottery
1. Mauryan Caves (Rock-cut Cave Architecture)
• They were considered as the first man-made caves in India.
• The Mauryan Caves were highly polished from inside and a very
beautiful semi-circular façade shaped was created on the
entrance.
, • Most of the caves were created by Ashoka and his grandson
Dashrath.
• These caves were created for Ajivika Monks.
• Example - Lomas Rishi Cave, Sudama Cave (Barabar and
Nagarjuni hills, Bihar), Dhauli Cave of Odishi, etc.
• In front of Dhauli Cave, a large elephant structure was created
by Mauryans.
Lomas Rishi Cave
Dhauli Cave
