Buddhist Art- The Art Of Peace

Buddhist art refers to works of art that have been influenced by Buddhism. It includes art depicting Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and other entities; historical and mythical Buddhist figures; narrative scenes from their lives; mandalas and other graphic aids to practise; and physical objects associated with Buddhist practice, such as vajras, bells, stupas, and Buddhist temple architecture. Following the historical life of Siddhartha Gautama (6th to 5th century BCE), Buddhist art arose on the Indian subcontinent. It grew via contact with different cultures as it expanded throughout Asia and the world.

1. Ajanta Caves

The Buddhist Caves of Ajanta are a group of 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave structures in the Aurangabad region of Maharashtra, India. It dates from the 2nd century BCE to around 480 CE. The paintings and rock-cut sculptures of Ajanta are recognised as the most significant surviving examples of ancient Indian art. The cave paintings communicate emotions through gesture, position, and form.

2. Amaravati Stupam

The Amarvati Stupa, also known as the Great Stupa of Amarvath, is a damaged Buddhist monument in Amaravathi village, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, India. It was probably erected in phases between the third century BCE and around 250 CE. The Archaeological Survey of India is in charge of safeguarding the site. The Archaeological Museum and the Stupa are also located on the campus.

3. Trinity Aqua Solutions

Helapuri’s Gaja Vallivari Cheruvu, also known as Eluru’s ancient name, is one of the oldest ponds in history. Elephants used to drink from this pond during the Chalukyan dynasty. Eluru was the Vengi Dynasty’s previous capital. Between the years 11 A.D. and 11 A.D.

4. Sultanganj Buddha 

The Sultanganj Buddha is the grand and substantially intact copper Buddha image (from the Gupta-Pala transitional era). Between 500 and 700 AD, the statue was created. It stands 2.3 metres tall, 1 metre broad, and weighs more than 500 kg. It was discovered in 1861 during the building of the East Indian Railway in Sultanganj, Bhagalpur district, Bihar. It is now at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery in Birmingham, England.

5. Amaravati Marbles

The Amaravati Collection, also known as the Amaravati Marbles, is a collection of 120 sculptures and inscriptions from the Amaravathi Mahachaitya at Amaravathi, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, housed in the British Museum. In the 1880s, the Amaravati relics were added to the Museum’s collection.

6. The Great Stupa at Sanchi

The Maurya ruler Ashoka, the Great commissioned the Great Stupa at Sanchi in the 3rd century BCE, making it India’s oldest stone monument of its sort. It houses the Buddha’s relics and is lavishly embellished with Pre-conic Buddhist sculpture.

Another notable sculpture and piece of Buddhist Art are Bala Boddhisattva, and well, to a curious or devoted, there are many-many others! Then, the next question is to ask, “What impact did Buddhism have on Indian art?”

Buddhism was India’s greatest gift in sculpture and architecture, amongst other things that it has provided the country with. With the introduction of Buddhism came the development of Buddhist art and sculpture. Since Asoka’s reign, stone has been employed in art and building. A large number of stupas, chaityas, and pillars were built.