3.3 Early Buddhist architecture: stupas and pillars
4 min read•july 29, 2024
Early Buddhist architecture centered on stupas and pillars, powerful symbols of the faith. Stupas housed and served as focal points for worship, while pillars spread Buddhist teachings. These structures embodied core Buddhist principles and '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
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Top images from around the web for Components and Symbolism
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Stupas are -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 () on top of the dome, and a central pillar (yasti) rising from the harmika
Early stupas, such as the (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 , 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