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Arts of the Mauryan Period

CBSE · Class 11 · Fine Arts

Quick revision notes for Arts of the Mauryan Period — CBSE Class 11 Fine Arts. Key concepts, formulas, and definitions for last-minute revision.

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Key Topics to Revise

1

Historical Background and Cultural Setting

  • Sixth century BCE marks the beginning of Buddhism and Jainism in the Gangetic valley as part of the shraman tradition.
  • By the fourth century BCE the Mauryas established their power, and by the third century BCE a large part of India was under Mauryan control.
  • Ashoka was the most powerful Mauryan king and patronised the Buddhist shraman tradition in the third century BCE.
2

Pillars and Capital Figures

  • Mauryan pillars are rock-cut pillars carved from single stone, showing the skill of the carver.
  • Achaemenian pillars were constructed in pieces by a mason and are different from Mauryan pillars.
  • Stone pillars were erected by Ashoka and found in the north Indian part of the Mauryan Empire with inscriptions engraved on them.
3

Lion Capital, Sarnath

  • The Lion Capital at Sarnath is the finest example of Mauryan sculptural tradition.
  • It was discovered more than a hundred years ago at Sarnath near Varanasi.
  • It is also the National Emblem of Independent India, but only the capital without the crowning wheel and the lotus base.
4

Monumental Yaksha and Yakshini Figures

  • Large statues of Yakshas and Yakshinis are found at Patna, Vidisha, and Mathura.
  • These monumental images are mostly standing and have a distinguishing polished surface.
  • The Didarganj Yakshini is a life-size standing image holding a chauri in the right hand.

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Full Notes

Key Concepts

By the fourth century BCEMauryan pillars were rockThe Lion Capital from SarnathThe Sarnath pillar capital symbolises DhammachakrapravartanaLarge statues of Yakshas and Yakshinis

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Arts of the Mauryan Period for CBSE Class 11 Fine Arts?
Key topics in Arts of the Mauryan Period include Arts of the Mauryan Period — Concept Overview, Overview of Arts of the Mauryan Period, Complete Concept Map: Arts of the Mauryan Period. These are the concepts CBSE Class 11 examiners draw on most — study them first, then practise related questions.
How to score full marks in Arts of the Mauryan Period — CBSE Class 11 Fine Arts?
Understand the core concepts first, then work through the 65 practice questions available for this chapter. Revise formulas and definitions regularly, and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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