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| Home » Hindu Sculptures of the Satavahana Empire » Karle |
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Karle Sculptures |
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The Karle Sculptures are one of the most prominent forms of art during the Satavahana period. The latter was a period of development of art forms, which added to the rich culture of India immensely. The Sculptures of Karle expresses the Satavahana form of art effectively. The Satavahana period was one of the glorious periods in Indian History. And the Karle Sculptures are one of the vital art forms of the Satavahana period.
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The Satavahanas ruled over South and Central India. During their reign they were introduced to Buddhism by Emperor Ashoka. The devotion of the rulers of the Satavahana Dynasty is reflected in the structures and carvings of those periods. The carvings at the Karle are no exception to this Buddhist trend that influenced the art and culture during the 2nd and 3rd century. The Karle Sculptures are depictions of the Hinayana Sculpture of the Satavahana Period.
The Sculptures at Karle are mainly cave sculptors. The black rock on which the carvings are engraved is situated on a terrace located several feet above the foot of a hill. The Chaitya Hall at Karle is a glowing form of Karle Sculptures. The architecture of the place is unique with the dimensions of the hall being 124 x 46 x 46 cubic feet. The presence of three more structure here depicts the Satavahana architectural form effectively. The Garbagriha, Pradakshina and Mantapa are the three structures that were constructed here.
At the Karle caves there are three entrance ways and adorning each are a total of six couples who are believed to be wealthy sponsors of the hall. A double row of columns octagonal in design segregate the cave into three sections. The pillars are intricately carved, at the top elephant figurines are carved with two riders with arms draped around each other. This forms for an exquisite sight. The detailed carvings on the Chaitya's front wall are beautiful. The smooth long flow of carvings are the astonishing feature of the place. A wooden umbrella had been constructed over the Karle Stupa. This umbrella was declared to be 2000 years old after a careful analysis carried out by experts of Archaeological Society of India. The quarters of the Buddhist monks are located on the second floor of the structure. The reason for this elevated location when the chambers or “Viharas” as they are known could have been constructed at base level has mystified historians for centuries.
Thus the carvings at the Karle caves are an impressive display of Karle Sculptures. The detailed works of art depict the hard work and the amount of importance that was given to art during the Satavahana Empire. The keen interest that the people of those times and the rulers of the dynasty took in developing the various forms of art is reflected in these carvings. Apart from that valuable insights are afforded on the techniques and culture of that era.
For more information about Hindu Sculptures of the Satavahana Empire visit Hindusculptures.com.
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