Arts of the Mauryan Period

No. The chapter shows that the Mauryan period was a very important early phase in Indian sculpture, but it was not the beginning of sculpture in India. Before and during this time, there were already rock-cut caves, pillars, animal figures, Yaksha and Yakshini images, and terracotta figurines. The text also says that the tradition of constructing pillars is very old. So, Mauryan art represents an early and remarkable stage in the development of sculpture, not the starting point.

The stupa was important as a Buddhist and Jaina monument built over the relics of the Buddha. It became a place of worship and reverence. As Buddhism became popular, many stupas were constructed on a large scale.

Development of stupa architecture:
- Early stupas were simple structures.
- The basic form consisted of a cylindrical drum, a circular anda, a harmika, and a chhatra on top.
- Later, stupas were enlarged and elaborated.
- The circumambulatory path was enclosed with railings.
- Gateways (toranas) were added.
- Sculptural decoration also increased, giving artists more space to create reliefs and narrative scenes.

Thus, stupa architecture developed from a simple relic mound into a richly decorated complex with railings, gateways, and sculptures.