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Subject: Sculptures

  • Ujjain’s Giant Stupa: Was Vaishya Tekri Bigger Than Sanchi?

    Why in the News

    Madhya Pradesh plans to excavate and restore Vaishya Tekri in Ujjain, a major mound believed to contain a Mauryan-era stupa. ASI suggests it may have been larger than the Sanchi Stupa, but its association with Ashoka remains unproven.

    What is Vaishya Tekri?

    • Located in Ujjain, an important Mauryan-era centre.
    • Excavated first in 1938-39 by the erstwhile Gwalior State.
    • Identified as a major stupa, not a natural mound.
    • 1938 report estimated its base at about 350 ft diameter and height at 100+ ft.
    • Dating to the 3rd century BCE was suggested from brick dimensions and coins.

    Key Archaeological Evidence

    • Core made of rammed blackish murum.
    • Exterior faced with brick masonry and mud mortar.
    • Finds included:
      • Punch-marked coin
      • Cast Avanti coin
    • A moat surrounded the stupa, with a western passage for worshippers.
    • An unusual bowl-shaped masonry base helped resist lateral thrust.

    Ashoka Connection

    • Tradition associates Ujjain with Ashoka’s viceroyalty.
    • However, the 1938 excavation did not establish an Ashokan connection.
    • The report only stated that the stupa could possibly be one of the stupas attributed to Ashoka.
    • Brick size and coins establish a period, not the identity of the patron.

    Prelims Quick Facts

    • Vaishya Tekri: Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
    • Period: Mauryan, 3rd century BCE
    • Monument: Buddhist stupa
    • First excavation: 1938-39
    • Estimated diameter: ~350 ft
    • Sanchi Stupa height: ~54 ft
    • Key coin: Punch-marked coin
    • Agency: Archaeological Survey of India

    “[2026] Which of the following statements on the Amaravati Stupa and its relief sculpture is/are correct?
    1. It was located in the lower Krishna valley.
    2. In India, it was next only to the Sanchi Stupa in size.
    3. The Amaravati school of sculpture made a lasting impact on the later South Indian sculpture, and its products were carried to Sri Lanka and South-east Asia.
    (a) 1 only
    (b) 1 and 3 only
    (c) 2 and 3 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • How will you explain that medieval Indian temple sculptures represent the social life of those days? (स्पष्ट करें कि मध्यकालीन भारतीय मंदिरों की मूर्तिकला उस दौर के सामाजिक जीवन का प्रतिनिधित्व करती है।)

  • Discuss the significance of the lion and bull figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture.(भारतीय मिथक कला और वास्तुकला में सिंह एवं वृषभ की आकृतियों के महत्व पर विचार करें।)

    Animal symbolism occupies a central place in Indian civilisational thought. Among these, the lion and bull find continuous expression from Vedic times to modern India in religion, art and architecture.

    Significance of the Lion

    Mythological Significance

    Divine power and protection – Lion is the vahana of Goddess Durga, symbolising victory of dharma over adharma. Eg- Mahishasuramardini imagery.

    Incarnation of Vishnu – Narasimha avatar (half-man, half-lion) represents divine intervention against tyranny.

    Royal authority – Lion associated with kingship and sovereignty in Puranic literature.

    Buddha is also called as Shakya-Simha. His first sermon is described as the “Lion’s Roar” (Simhanada), signifying the power and authority of Truth.

    Throne Symbolism- The Indian word for throne is Simhasana (Lion-seat), indicating that the occupant possesses the qualities of a lion.

    Artistic Significance

    Symbol of fearlessness and majesty – Eg- Lions shown overpowering elephants or enemies

    Ashokan Lion Capital – Four lions back-to-back at Sarnath symbolise power, vigilance and moral governance.

    Narasimha is an important form in Indian sculpture and paintings. Eg – Narasimha’s relief at the temple of Belur.

    Architectural Significance

    Guardian figures – Lions placed at temple entrances and gopurams as protectors of sacred space.

    State symbolism – Adopted as National Emblem of India, reflecting continuity of ancient political ideals.

    Significance of the Bull

    Mythological Significance

    Vehicle of Lord Shiva – Nandi, the bull, symbolises devotion, strength and fertility

    Cosmic order – Bull associated with Dharma standing on four legs in Satya Yuga.

    Agrarian symbolism – Bull revered as sustainer of life, linked with prosperity and agriculture.

    The first Jain Tirthankara is symbolized by the Bull (Rishabha), representing the beginning of the spiritual path

    Artistic Significance

    Icon of devotion – Sculpted Nandi figures placed facing the sanctum in Shiva temples. Eg- Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur.

    The bronze bull of Kalibangan represents Harappan skill in lost-wax casting

    Bull sculptures on the capital of Mauryan pillars depicting the zodiac sign of Taurus.

    Rampurva Bull Capital represents the calm, stable aspect of the Emperor’s rule.

    Architectural Significance

    Integral temple element – Separate Nandi mandapas in Dravidian temples. Eg- Largest monolithic statue of Nandi in Lepakshi Temple.

    Alignment of Nandi with garbhagriha symbolises direct spiritual connection.

    The Lion and the Bull act as the dual pillars of Indian iconography, reflecting the “spirit of India.”

  • Which of the following statements on the Amaravati Stupa and its relief sculpture is/are correct

    Which of the following statements on the Amaravati Stupa and its relief sculpture is/are correct?
    1. It was located in the lower Krishna valley.
    2. In India, it was next only to the Sanchi Stupa in size.
    3. The Amaravati school of sculpture made a lasting impact on the later South Indian sculpture, and its products were carried to Sri Lanka and South-east Asia.