Q.47 Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate. GS-I: ART AND CULTURE (UPSC CSE 2016) (200 words/12.5 marks)

Answer:

Introduction

The early Indian Buddhist Stupas found at places like Sanchi, Bharhut, Sarnath, Amravati, and Bhattiprolu were religious monuments acting as the focal points for Buddhist worship and community activities. Each architectural element of the Stupa held symbolic significance reflecting Buddhist cosmology and teachings.

Body

Early Buddhist stupas often incorporated folk motifs and artistic styles prevalent in the particular regions. These motifs could include floral patterns, geometric designs, and animal or human figures. The sculptural embellishments adorning Buddhist stupas depicted various narratives from the life of the Buddha, as well as scenes from Jataka tales (stories from Buddha’s previous births). These narratives served as visual aids for conveying Buddhist teachings and moral principles to the laity and monastic community alike.

The depiction of stories through sculpture facilitated the transmission of Buddhist ideals in a visually compelling and accessible manner. Through the integration of folk motifs and narratives, early Indian Buddhist stupa-art effectively expounded key Buddhist ideals such as compassion, non-violence, impermanence, and the cycle of rebirth. The imagery found in Buddhist stupas conveyed profound philosophical concepts in a manner that was both comprehensible and emotionally resonant to the lay audience.

Conclusion

The early Indian Buddhist Stupa-art represents a remarkable fusion of folk motifs with Buddhist iconography. It exemplifies harmonious integration of indigenous artistic traditions with Buddhist religious symbolism. It not only effectively conveyed Buddhist ideals to a diverse audience but also enriched the artistic and spiritual heritage of ancient India.