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| Home » Hindu Sculptures of the Satavahana Empire » Nagarjunakonda |
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Nagarjunakonda Sculptures |
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One of the most rich dynasties of India is the Satavahana Empire, the rich culture of India owes a lot to this dynasty. The Nagarjunakonda Sculptures are one of the most prominent forms of the Satavahana art and culture.
The Cultural tradition as depicted in the Amravati Sculptures is extended to the Nagarjunakonda Sculptures. The dominant motif of the different sculptures of Nagarjunakonda is Buddhism. Nagarjunakonda is an important place housing Buddhist sculptures. The artistic value of the structures is immeasurable.
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The amazing mix of grace and volume that is depicted in each of the sculptures are one of a kind. The imposing structures display a certain softness and charm that makes them attractive. The magnificence of each of the Nagarjunakonda Sculptures is spell bounding. The skill of the artists of those times is reflected in each carving.
The amazing technology and techniques employed in the construction of these sculptors is commendable. The smooth blend of beauty and technique or creativity and technology is unique to the period. The Nagarjunakonda Sculptures well depict the hard work and tenacity with which the people of Andra Pradesh have contributed to the sculptural world.
The sculptures at Nagarjunakonda portray the Buddhist philosophy and belief effectively. The religious depictions and Buddhist literacy works are very detailed. The accuracy displays the fact that various Buddhist literary works were well read by the people. The carvings at Nagarjunakonda have extracts from Buddhist literature like Lalitavistara, Buddhacarita and Divyavadana. Thus the Nagarjunakonda Sculptures are an important source of Buddhism to scholars. The authenticity of the verses and depictions of Buddhism has been evaluated by experts of the field.
The Nagarjunakonda Sculptures depict scenes from the life of Buddha. A special mention needs to be made of the Enlightened Buddha portrayal. The latter is a prominent example of the great art forms of that era and also of the Satavahana dynasty. The sculptures are mainly of standing Buddha or Buddha sitting in various meditative stages. The serenity of the face has been captured effectively by the sculptor. The hands in many of the Buddha figurines are held up in a posture of granting protection. The feeling of benevolence and strength that is exuded from each is astonishing.
The main stupa at Nagarjunakonda is referred to as the Mahacheitya. The latter is believed to contain the sacred remains of Buddha. The Stupa contains an earring and a tooth believed to be remnants of Buddha. The huge amount of Buddhist ruins that can be found at Nagarjunakonda is what makes it famous. The historical importance of the Nagarjunakonda Sculptures cannot be estimated. An insight into the culture and traditions of that period is afforded. These historical relics would have been destroyed completely had it not been for the efforts of the Archaeological Survey of India(ASI). The river bed near which these where situated was submerged. The ASI moved them to safer destination. Thus saving a major historical catastrophe.
For information about the Hindu Sculptures of the Satavahana Empire log onto Hindusculptures.com.
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