Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings: Cultural Developments | Class 12 History Notes

Sculpture

This section explores the rich tradition of sculpture associated with Buddhist stupas, particularly at Sanchi. Sculptures served as visual narratives, often illustrating stories from the Jatakas, which recount the previous lives of the Buddha. For example, a scene on the northern gateway depicts the Vessantara Jataka, a tale of generosity. Early Buddhist art used symbolic representations rather than human images of the Buddha, such as the empty seat, the Bodhi tree, the stupa itself, and the wheel symbolizing the first sermon. Other sculptures at Sanchi, such as the shalabhanjika (a woman touching a tree to make it flower), derive from pre-Buddhist and popular traditions, indicating cultural synthesis. Animals like elephants and horses are depicted symbolically, representing strength and wisdom. The section also discusses the Ajanta cave paintings, which illustrate courtly life and Jataka stories with naturalistic techniques. Motifs like Gajalakshmi and serpents reflect the integration of local beliefs into Buddhist art. Early art historians sometimes misunderstood these symbols, highlighting the need to study textual traditions alongside visual art to comprehend their meanings fully.

📊 Diagram: Fig. 4.13 A part of the northern gateway; Fig. 4.14 Worshipping the Bodhi tree; Fig. 4.15 Worshipping the stupa; Fig. 4.16 Setting in motion the wheel of dharma; Fig. 4.17 The woman at the gate; Fig. 4.18 An elephant at Sanchi; Fig. 4.19 Gajalakshmi; Fig. 4.21 A serpent at Sanchi; Fig. 4.22 An image of the Buddha from Mathura, c. first century CE

🧪 Activity: Discuss how knowledge of Buddhist literature helps in understanding the sculpture at Sanchi.

🔗 Connection: Introduces new religious traditions and the evolution of Buddhist and Hindu religious practices.