Q.21) Indian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss.(UPSC CSE 2020)(Answer in 150 words,10-marks)

APPROACH

Introduction: Introduction of Indian philosophy and tradition.

THE BODY

    • How different philosophies and traditions played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India.
    • Give some examples to substantiate your answer.

 

Conclusion: The monuments and other religious and secular structures in India are reflective of the traditions and philosophies of different periods.

Indian philosophy and tradition are not of only one type; the basic tenor and tone has been similar. So, in all times the group is more important than the individual, the old people should retire for meditation and unequal ranks for different people or hierarchy are common traditions.

1. The philosophy of the Veds led to those temples which for the first time evolved at the time of Guptas. The first evidence organized culture was at the time of Indus culture; though not very much is known about that period but it seems the horned God, the mother goddess in terracotta and collective bath indicates a particular life philosophy.

2. The Mauryan Art and architecture was influenced by This art was the first expression in its different manifestations, the vihars, the caves, the frescos, the murals, the Ashoka pillars were an expression of Buddhist Dhamma. The stupas in different places and the chaittyas or the Bodhi place itself at Gaya indicate the philosophy of Buddhism. The middle path is expressed everywhere.

3. The Jain philosophy was not very different from Buddhism but the traditions they pursued were different. The Jains were more accommodative to Hinduism; that similarity is manifest in the religious structures of the two religions.

4. The monuments of south India; particularly the temples they built is reflective of the long period they ruled. They are massive and they also bear the tradition of worship of the kings; the images of the kings have been engraved on temple walls. The relative freedom of women is reflected in the Kallyan mandapam of Vijay Nagar empire, these mandapams were for women and marriage.

The monuments and other religious and secular structures in India are reflective of the traditions and philosophies of different periods. In Assam the Naam Ghars developed because of the philosophy of Shankar Dev. He propagated Eka Dharma which almost ended untouchability in Assam. So, the art pieces and all structures relate to traditions and life philosophies.

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