Post-Mauryan Artistic Traditions

The Post-Mauryan period (c. 200 BCE – 300 CE) was marked by decentralized political power but witnessed an explosion of indigenous artistic traditions across the subcontinent. Art became democratized, moving from the monolithic, state-sponsored imperial style of the Mauryas to elaborate narrative, architectural sculpture, and the emergence of distinct, powerful regional schools like Sunga, Satavahana, and the Indo-Greek fusion in Gandhara.

Evolution and Regional Styles

Central India (Sunga/Kanva)

  • Bharhut & Sanchi (Stupa Railings): Art shifted from the Mauryan royal court to popular patronage; sculpture focused on the railings (Vedikas) and gateways (Toranas) of Stupas.
  • Narrative and Symbolic: Sculpture is low ....
Do You Want to Read More?
Subscribe Now

To get access to detailed content

Already a Member? Login here


Take Annual Subscription and get the following Advantage
The annual members of the Civil Services Chronicle can read the monthly content of the magazine as well as the Chronicle magazine archives.
Readers can study all the material before the last six months of the Civil Services Chronicle monthly issue in the form of Chronicle magazine archives.

Related Content