NCERT Class 11 Fine Art An Introduction to Indian Art Part-I: Chapter 3 — ARTS OF THE MAURYAN PERIOD
This chapter delves into the Arts of the Mauryan Period, a significant era in Indian art history, beginning in the 6th century BCE with the rise of Buddhism and Jainism. It highlights the consolidation of the Magadha kingdom and the Mauryan empire, particularly under Ashoka. The text discusses the construction of stupas, viharas, stone pillars, and rock-cut architecture. Mauryan pillars, distinct from Achamenian ones, are rock-cut and feature impressive capital figures like lions and bulls, exemplified by the Sarnath Lion Capital, which is now India's national emblem. The chapter also covers monumental Yaksha and Yakshi sculptures, known for their polished surfaces and detailed physiognomy, such as the Yakshi from Didarganj. Terracotta figurines and rock-cut examples like the Dhauli elephant and the Lomus Rishi cave are also presented, showcasing the diverse artistic achievements and religious influences of the Mauryan period, including patronage of the Ajivika sect.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Fine Art |
| Book | An Introduction to Indian Art Part-I |
| Chapter | Chapter 3 — ARTS OF THE MAURYAN PERIOD |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 772 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the historical context of Mauryan art, including religious and political influences.
- Identify and describe key Mauryan art forms like pillars, sculptures, and rock-cut architecture.
- Analyze the characteristics and significance of the Sarnath Lion Capital.
- Recognize the depiction and importance of Yaksha and Yakshi figures.
- Appreciate the craftsmanship and techniques employed in Mauryan art.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Shraman tradition | A tradition of asceticism and renunciation, associated with Buddhism and Jainism. |
| Varna and Jati systems | Social stratification systems in Hinduism. |
| Monastic establishments | Communities of monks or nuns living together. |
| Rock-cut architecture | Architecture created by carving directly into solid rock. |
| Capital figures | Sculptural decorations at the top of a pillar. |
| Abacus | A flat slab on top of a pillar capital. |
| Dhammachakrapravartana | The Buddhist concept of 'turning the wheel of dharma', referring to the Buddha's first sermon. |
| Physiognomic detail | Detailed representation of facial features. |
| Chaitya arch | A horseshoe-shaped arch, often used as a decorative motif in Buddhist architecture. |
| High relief | Sculpture that projects prominently from its background. |
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Practice questions
- What were the new religious and social movements that began in the Gangetic valley in the 6th century BCE? Answer: Buddhism and Jainism, part of the shraman tradition.
- How do Mauryan pillars differ from Achamenian pillars? Answer: Mauryan pillars are rock-cut, displaying carver's skills, while Achamenian pillars are constructed in pieces by a mason.
- What is the significance of the Sarnath Lion Capital? Answer: It is a fine example of Mauryan sculptural tradition, our national emblem, and symbolises Dhammachakrapravartana.
- What is a distinguishing element found in large statues of Yakshas and Yakshinis from this period? Answer: A polished surface and detailed depiction of faces with pronounced cheeks.
- Which rock-cut cave is mentioned as an example from the Mauryan period, and who was it donated to? Answer: The Lomus Rishi cave, donated by Ashoka for the Ajivika sect.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which kingdom emerged as a powerful force and consolidated its control in the Gangetic valley during the 6th century BCE?
Explanation: Magadha emerged as a powerful kingdom and consolidated its control over other regions during this period.
Q2. The Sarnath Lion Capital is a significant example of Mauryan sculptural tradition and is also known as:
Explanation: The Sarnath Lion Capital is not only a masterpiece of Mauryan sculpture but also serves as the National Emblem of India.
Q3. Which of the following was NOT a feature of Mauryan pillars mentioned in the text?
Explanation: The text explicitly states that Mauryan pillars are rock-cut and different from Achamenian pillars, which were constructed in pieces.
Q4. The Lomus Rishi cave, a rock-cut example from the Mauryan period, is located in:
Explanation: The Lomus Rishi cave is located at the Barabar hills near Gaya in Bihar.
Q5. What is a common characteristic of the large statues of Yakshas and Yakshinis found from this period?
Explanation: The text highlights that a distinguishing element in these images is their polished surface and detailed depiction of faces with pronounced cheeks.
Q6. The elephant frieze carved on the chaitya arch of the Lomus Rishi cave shows:
Explanation: The elephant frieze carved in high relief on the chaitya arch of the Lomus Rishi cave shows considerable movement.
Frequently asked questions
What is the historical significance of the 6th century BCE in the Gangetic valley?
The 6th century BCE marked the beginning of new religious and social movements like Buddhism and Jainism, and the rise of powerful kingdoms such as Magadha.
How did Mauryan pillars differ from those of the Achamenian empire?
Mauryan pillars were rock-cut, showcasing the carver's skill, whereas Achamenian pillars were constructed in separate pieces by masons.
What is the importance of the Sarnath Lion Capital?
It is considered the finest example of Mauryan sculptural tradition, serves as India's national emblem, and symbolises the Buddha's first sermon.
What are the notable features of Yaksha and Yakshi sculptures from the Mauryan period?
These monumental images are often in standing positions, possess a polished surface, and feature detailed depictions of faces with pronounced cheeks.
What is the Lomus Rishi cave and why is it significant?
It is a rock-cut cave donated by Ashoka for the Ajivika sect, notable for its facade decorated with a semicircular chaitya arch and an elephant frieze.
What does the rock-cut elephant at Dhauli signify?
It demonstrates modelling in the round with linear rhythm and also features an Ashokan rock-edict, showcasing artistic execution and imperial presence.
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NCERT Class 11 Fine Art — An Introduction to Indian Art Part-I — Chapter 3 — ARTS OF THE MAURYAN PERIOD. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.