3.3 Early Buddhist architecture: stupas and pillars

Early Buddhist architecture centered on stupas and pillars, powerful symbols of the faith. Stupas housed relics and served as focal points for worship, while pillars spread Buddhist teachings. These structures embodied core Buddhist principles and Emperor Ashoka's commitment to the religion.

The design and function of stupas and pillars evolved over time, reflecting Buddhism's spread across India. Regional variations emerged, incorporating local artistic traditions. These architectural forms became enduring symbols of Buddhism, influencing art and worship practices throughout Asia.

Stupa and Pillar Architecture

Components and Symbolism

Top images from around the web for Components and Symbolism

• 

  Spice of Life!: Stunning Stupas at Sanchi View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Sanchi Stupa.jpg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Spice of Life!: Stunning Stupas at Sanchi View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Sanchi Stupa.jpg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 2

Top images from around the web for Components and Symbolism

• 

  Spice of Life!: Stunning Stupas at Sanchi View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Sanchi Stupa.jpg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Spice of Life!: Stunning Stupas at Sanchi View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Sanchi Stupa.jpg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 2

• Stupas are dome-shaped structures built to house relics of the Buddha or revered monks and serve as focal points for worship and pilgrimage
  • Main components include a square base (medhi) representing the earth and four cardinal directions, a hemispherical dome (anda) symbolizing the Buddha's enlightenment, a square railing (harmika) on top of the dome, and a central pillar (yasti) rising from the harmika
• Early stupas, such as the Great Stupa at Sanchi (3rd century BCE), were simple hemispherical structures with a central pillar and a railing around the base
• Buddhist pillars, like the Ashoka Pillars (3rd century BCE), were free-standing monolithic columns erected by Emperor Ashoka to spread Buddhist teachings
  • Pillars were often topped with animal capitals (lions or elephants) symbolizing the emperor's power and authority
  • Pillars featured inscriptions in Brahmi script outlining Ashoka's edicts and commitment to Buddhism

Functions and Worship

• Stupas physically represented the Buddha's presence and teachings, acting as focal points for devotion and meditation
• Constructing and venerating stupas were considered meritorious acts leading to spiritual advancement and better rebirth
• Stupas functioned as pilgrimage centers, attracting devotees to circumambulate the structure as a form of worship
• Ashoka Pillars were instrumental in spreading Buddhist teachings across the Mauryan Empire and beyond
  • Inscriptions on the pillars, known as the Edicts of Ashoka, promoted Buddhist values (non-violence, tolerance, compassion)
  • Pillars established Ashoka's authority as a Buddhist ruler and his role in propagating the faith

Significance of Stupas and Pillars

Religious and Cultural Impact

• Stupas served as tangible representations of the Buddha's presence and teachings, providing a focus for devotion and meditation
• Building and venerating stupas were seen as meritorious acts contributing to spiritual growth and better future rebirths
• Stupas became important pilgrimage sites, drawing devotees to engage in circumambulation as a form of worship and reverence
• Ashoka Pillars played a crucial role in disseminating Buddhist teachings throughout the Mauryan Empire and surrounding regions
  • The Edicts of Ashoka inscribed on the pillars emphasized core Buddhist values (non-violence, tolerance, compassion), promoting the faith's spread
  • The pillars reinforced Ashoka's position as a powerful Buddhist ruler committed to propagating the religion

Enduring Symbolism

• Animal capitals on pillars, particularly the lion capital, became lasting symbols of Buddhism
  • The lion capital from the Sarnath Pillar (3rd century BCE) was later adopted as the national emblem of India
• Stupas continue to serve as important sites of Buddhist worship and pilgrimage in the present day
  • The Great Stupa at Sanchi remains a significant monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site
• The architectural and artistic elements of early stupas and pillars influenced the development of Buddhist art and architecture in other regions (Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, East Asia)

Stupa and Pillar Evolution

Design Developments

• Stupa design evolved from simple hemispherical structures to more complex and elaborate forms over time
  • Later stupas, like the Amaravati Stupa (2nd century CE), incorporated intricate carvings and narrative reliefs depicting the Buddha's life and teachings
  • Gateways (toranas) and a circumambulatory path (pradakshinapatha) around the stupa's base became common features in later designs
• Buddhist pillar design also underwent changes, with later pillars featuring more elaborate capitals and inscriptions
  • The Sarnath Pillar (3rd century BCE) with its iconic lion capital exemplifies Ashokan pillar architecture
  • The Iron Pillar of Delhi (4th century CE) showcases advancements in metallurgy and engineering, standing over 7 meters tall and weighing over 6 tons

Regional Variations

• As Buddhism spread across ancient India, regional variations in stupa design emerged
  • The Gandharan style, found in present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan, incorporated Hellenistic and Roman architectural elements (Corinthian capitals, acanthus leaf motifs)
  • The Andhra style, prevalent in south-eastern India, featured elaborate carvings and narrative friezes on the stupa's drum and dome
• These regional styles reflect the adaptation of Buddhist architecture to local cultural and artistic traditions
  • The integration of foreign architectural elements in the Gandharan style reflects the region's exposure to Hellenistic and Roman influences following Alexander the Great's conquests
  • The elaborate carvings and friezes of the Andhra style demonstrate the high level of artistic skill and craftsmanship in the region