NCERT Class 11 Fine Art An Introduction to Indian Art Part-I: Chapter 4 — POST-MAURYAN TRENDS IN INDIAN ART AND ARCHITECTURE
This chapter from NCERT's 'An Introduction to Indian Art Part-I' for Class 11 Fine Art delves into the Post-Mauryan artistic and architectural developments in India, spanning from the second century BCE. It highlights the rise of various dynasties like the Shungas, Kanvas, Kushanas, Guptas, and Satvahanas, and the emergence of major Brahmanical sects. The chapter focuses on prominent sculptural sites such as Bharhut, Bodhgaya, and Mathura, discussing the evolution of relief sculpture from low to deep carving, the use of narrative panels, and the increasing naturalism in human and animal representations. It examines how sculptors effectively used pictorial language to communicate stories, including Jataka tales and significant events like Queen Mayadevi's dream. This chapter provides a foundational understanding of the transition in Indian art forms during this crucial period, essential for CBSE curriculum.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Fine Art |
| Book | An Introduction to Indian Art Part-I |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 — POST-MAURYAN TRENDS IN INDIAN ART AND ARCHITECTURE |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 549 |
Learning outcomes
- Identify key dynasties and sects of the Post-Mauryan period.
- Analyze the characteristics of Post-Mauryan sculpture, including relief techniques and narrative styles.
- Recognize prominent sculptural sites and examples from this era.
- Understand the transition towards naturalism in Indian art.
- Appreciate the use of pictorial language in communicating stories through sculpture.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Brahmanical | Relating to the Brahmins or the Brahmanical tradition of Hinduism. |
| Vaishnavas | Followers of Vishnu, one of the principal deities of Hinduism. |
| Shaivas | Followers of Shiva, another principal deity of Hinduism. |
| Sculpture | The art of making two- or three-dimensional representative or abstract forms, especially by carving stone or wood or by casting metal or plaster. |
| Low relief | Sculpture where the projection from the background is slight. |
| Linearity | The quality of being linear; consisting of lines. |
| Tilted perspective | A technique used in art to create an illusion of depth and space on a flat surface, where elements are depicted from an angle. |
| Narrative panels | Sections of a sculpture or painting that depict a story. |
| Jataka story | Stories about the previous lives of the Buddha. |
| Naturalistic | Representing things as they are in real life. |
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Practice questions
- Name some of the prominent dynasties that ruled in the Post-Mauryan period. Answer: The Shungas, Kanvas, Kushanas, Guptas, Satvahanas, Ikshavakus, Abhiras, and Vakataks.
- What are the main Brahmanical sects that emerged around the second century BCE? Answer: The main Brahmanical sects were the Vaishnavas and the Shaivas.
- Describe the characteristics of Bharhut sculptures. Answer: Bharhut sculptures are characterized by low relief, linearity, and figures sticking to the picture plane. Narrative panels used tilted perspective for clarity, often with fewer characters initially.
- How did the representation of human bodies evolve in Post-Mauryan sculpture? Answer: Initially, there was stiffness and shallow carving. Later, sculptures featured deep carvings, pronounced volume, and more naturalistic representation of human and animal bodies.
- What is an example of a narrative panel mentioned in the text? Answer: Queen Mayadevi's dream, where a descending elephant is shown towards her womb, is an example of a narrative panel.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which of the following dynasties ruled in the north and parts of central India during the Post-Mauryan period?
Explanation: The Shungas, Kanvas, Kushanas, and Guptas were prominent dynasties in the north and central India during the Post-Mauryan era.
Q2. The sculptures at Bharhut are primarily characterized by:
Explanation: Bharhut sculptures are noted for their low relief modeling and a focus on linearity, with figures often appearing flat against the picture plane.
Q3. Which of these sites is known for Post-Mauryan sculptures mentioned in the text?
Explanation: Bharhut is explicitly mentioned as a prominent site for Post-Mauryan sculptures, alongside others like Bodhgaya and Mathura.
Q4. The depiction of Queen Mayadevi's dream in Bharhut sculpture shows:
Explanation: The narrative panel of Queen Mayadevi's dream illustrates an elephant descending towards her womb, symbolizing the conception of Siddhartha Gautam.
Q5. What technique was used to enhance clarity in narrative panels at Bharhut?
Explanation: The text mentions that an illusion of three-dimensionality and clarity in narrative panels was achieved using tilted perspective.
Q6. Which Jataka story is mentioned as an example of simple narration in Bharhut?
Explanation: The Ruru Jataka is cited as an example where events are narrated by clubbing them according to geographical location, featuring the Boddhisattva deer rescuing a man.
Frequently asked questions
What period does the Post-Mauryan era in Indian art cover?
The Post-Mauryan era in Indian art, as discussed in this chapter, primarily covers the period from the second century BCE onwards.
Which dynasties were prominent during the Post-Mauryan period in North India?
Prominent dynasties in North India during the Post-Mauryan period included the Shungas, Kanvas, Kushanas, and Guptas.
What are the key features of Bharhut sculptures?
Bharhut sculptures are known for their tall figures, low relief modeling, linearity, and the use of tilted perspective in narrative panels to enhance clarity.
How did Post-Mauryan sculpture move towards naturalism?
Sculptures evolved from shallow carving with stiffness to deep carvings, pronounced volume, and a more naturalistic representation of human and animal bodies.
What is the significance of Jataka stories in Post-Mauryan art?
Jataka stories, depicting the previous lives of the Buddha, were frequently depicted in narrative panels, serving as a means to communicate religious and moral tales.
Name some important sculptural sites from the Post-Mauryan period.
Important sites include Vidisha, Bharhut, Bodhgaya, Jaggayyapeta, Mathura, Khandagiri-Udaigiri, Bhaja, and Pavani.
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NCERT Class 11 Fine Art — An Introduction to Indian Art Part-I — Chapter 4 — POST-MAURYAN TRENDS IN INDIAN ART AND ARCHITECTURE. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.