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Amravati Sculptures |
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Amravati Sculptures are one of the most important relics of the Satavahana Period. The latter is one of the oldest dynasties of Maharashtra and adds to the rich culture of Maharashtra. The sculptures of the Satavahana period mainly depict forms of Buddha. The sculpture at Amravati is one of the famous remnants of the early civilizations of the state of Maharashtra.
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The Architecture and sculptures of the Satavahana period is one of the finest example of Indian culture that flourished during the 2nd and 3rd century BC. The Amravati school of Sculpture is one of the prominent examples of this glorious period in Indian History. The type of sculptures that forms part of the Amravati Sculptures is referred to as the narrative form of Sculpture.
The history of the Satavahana Empire is very interesting. The rulers ruled all throughout South and Central India. Historians believe that the rule of the Satavahanas came to an end nearly 450 years after they started ruling. The Dynasty is known to have encouraged peace during its rule in India. The introduction to the Buddhist religion of these rulers is attributed to Emperor Ashoka. The Buddhist influence is depicted in the Sculptures of the Satavahana period. The Amravati Sculptures also borrows heavily from the Buddhist culture.
The Amravati Sculptures are referred to as the most beautiful among the sculptures of Andra. The great stupa at Amravati has its origin during the time of Christ. It was a brick structure which served as a place of worship at the time. This dome shaped construction is 20 feet in height. There were four rectangular offset and was encircled by a railing. The railing measured 192 feet in diameter and the circumference was 600 feet. It was elevated from the pavement at a height of 13 or 14 feet. The stone railing was engraved with intricate carvings on both sides. The carvings are so lively that they tell you a tale of those times. This is why the Amravati Sculptures are referred to as narrative sculptures. The stones have a unique smooth quality to them. The skill of the artisans and the texture of the stones lend a life to the sculpture.
The Amravati Sculptures borrows certain aspects of the Gandhara and Mathura schools of art to an extent. The eroticism that could be viewed in the latter two forms of art are comparatively less in the Sculptures of Amravati. But a distinct throwback to the Gandhara and Mathura signature styles is definitely visible in the Amravati Sculptures. The female figurines bear the most resemblance to the explicit forms. Nature is depicted in a number of carvings. The aspects of nature has been represented in graceful tones. Efforts have been made in depicting the appeal and vigor of nature. The symbolic representation of Buddha was last seen in this particular period. Depictions of Buddha was common during those times. But this trend came to an end at the start of the 3rd century. At this point the Andra rule in the Deccan was almost over. And Brahmanism reestablished its roots in South.
For information about Hindu sculptures of the Satavahana Empire visit Hindusculptures.com. |
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