Ancient Buddhist art and architecture -- e.g.

Buddhist rock cut caves and Hellenistic-inspired painted and sculptural forms -- serves as the foundation for the Indian aesthetic. In this ApproachGuides document, we provide a condensed, yet comprehensive overview of Buddhist art and architecture, designed specifically for the traveler in India. We begin by reviewing the historical origins of and characteristic elements of Buddhist architecture; we then offer a similar analysis of Buddhist sculptural and painted forms; finally, we provide detailed reviews of the chief Buddhist architectural and artistic sights in India (specifically, Sanchi, Ajanta, and Ellora).
Related Approach Guides o The Stupa Form's Transformation over Time o Ancient Buddhist Caves India & China o Religion: Buddhism o East-West Trade Connections

BUDDHIST ARCHITECTURE
EGYPTIANS LIKELY PROVIDE THE FIRST (ALBEIT INDIRECT) INSPIRATION FOR BUDDHIST ROCK-CUT ARCHITECTURE Indian (Hindu and Buddhist) architecture began as a rock-cut (carving into rock formations to form structures; this architecture resembles sculpture in many respects) endeavor, rather than as conventional stone-built architecture (assembled stone pieces to form a whole). It is speculated that Indias rock-cut architectural tradition was drawn indirectly from the Egyptians. The Egyptians were probably the first civilization in the world to build in stone; they had been building in stone since the 27th century BCE (Djoser's Step Pyramid) and had begun to build tombs cut into the rock since the 16th century BCE (Valley of the Kings). Note that the Egyptians began with stone-built, as opposed to rock-cut structures. o It is interesting, historically, to note that similar stone-built structures were being built not too far away in Mesopotamia (modern day Iran/Iraq). These very similar stepped pyramids are called ziggurats; the earliest probably date from the late part of Sumeria's Early Dynastic period (2900-2350 BCE), which makes them slightly later than their Egyptian counterparts. The ziggurat design, however, was never transformed from a stepped pyramid to a smooth-edge pyramid, as was the case in Egypt. These Egyptian/Mesopotamian forms were borrowed by the Persians -- in fact, the royal tombs of Darius (521 BCE to 486/485 BCE) and the rest of the Old Persian (Achaemenid) Empire were rock-cut. From Persia, these forms made their way in the 2nd century BCE into Indian lands (Bihar, Orissa, Ajanta), influencing the India's first stone architects, Buddhists and Jain monks. These "architects" borrowed inspiration from their existing wood-based forms in creating the rock-cut cave structures.

2008 Approach Guides Indian Art & Architecture: Buddhist

p. 1 of 23 www.approachguides.com

 o The Gandhara images were probably more influential on early Asian Buddhist art of this period, given the area's closer proximity to the trade caravan routes of the Silk Road, through which communications were laid with the East. Mathura Art (area of Gangetic plain). The style is characterized by the following: o This is clearly the more indigenous "Indian" style o The form of the body appears to be expanded or bloated by what has been termed "sacred breath" (prana), creating a less natural form characterized by rounded limbs. This was a particularly defining element, unique to Indian art, which carried on to influence all subsequent Indian sculptural depictions. It is also worth pointing out that this is most likely an indigenous (rather than Greek-adopted) sculptural style, in that it mirrors the earlier yakshi sculptural works the pre-date Greek influence and can still be seen at Sanchi on the toranas. o The monastic robe (formerly the Greek toga) is more shear and seemingly transparent, with less obvious folds (the robes have a network of ridges that suggest drapery folds, rather than actually creating a realistic fabric representation). Further, and most noticeable, only the left should be covered by the robe (as opposed to both shoulders in Gandhara tradition). o Abstract "snail-like twisted curl" hair style o Characteristically, the Mathuran Buddhas face features longer earlobes, thicker lips, wider eyes and a more prominent nose.

GANDHARA BUDDHA SCULPTURE 2NDC CE, NATL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND

MATHURA BUDDHA SCULPTURE 2ND C CE, ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM MUTTRA

2008 Approach Guides Indian Art & Architecture: Buddhist

p. 7 of 23 www.approachguides.com

 Keep in mind that the Satavahana and Vakataka Empires were actually Hindu in religious orientation, not Buddhist. This leads us to believe that the Ajanta caves were not constructed with imperial sponsorship (as was the case with many other Buddhist cave sites), but rather with sponsorship by wealthy individuals.

ARCHITECTURE This area is volcanic in geological profile. Accordingly, these structures are (like Ellora) cut into the volcanic granite stone of the hillside. These temples are the earliest architecture in stone in India. Their designs served to inspire the earliest stone-built architecture in India, that of the Chalukyas and Pallavas in the 6th century. From this perspective, these caves serve as the progenitor for all stone-built temple architecture (both the northern and southern temple styles) in India. You can clearly see the evolution of the chaitya (sanctuary) hall in this complex. o Cave 10 (2nd century BCE). This is the earliest stage in chaitya composition. You will notice (when compared with those to follow) the following: That the stupa is more roundish and lower lying. Actual wood beams had been inserted on the inside of the sanctuary to replicate earlier all-wood structures -- these beams have since rotted away, leaving only the hollowed out stone flat-surfaced ceiling (although you can still see the markings made by the wooden beams when they were in place).

CAVE 10

2008 Approach Guides Indian Art & Architecture: Buddhist

p. 14 of 23 www.approachguides.com