Buddhist Architecture

Context:- Numerous architectural styles in India trace their roots to Buddhism and Jainism. From the 5th to the 14th centuries, Buddhist Architecture & developments thrived alongside Hindu traditions, evident in sites like Ellora, which host monuments from Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

Bodhgaya holds a prime position among Buddhist sites in India. It serves as a pilgrimage destination because Siddhartha attained enlightenment here, transforming into Gautama Buddha. While the revered Bodhi tree remains central, the ancient Mahabodhi Temple stands as a significant testament to the architectural prowess of that era.

The Mahabodhi Temple, however, exhibits a distinctive design. It doesn’t strictly conform to either the Dravida or Nagara architectural styles. Though slim like a Nagara temple, it ascends without curving, resembling characteristics of a Dravida temple.

Significant Buddhist Architecture and Monuments in India

Nalanda University

Nalanda stands as a grand mahavihara, encompassing an array of monastic complexes in various sizes.
Most of our understanding of Nalanda comes from Xuan Zang’s records, which trace the foundation of a monastery back to Kumargupta I in the 5th century CE.
Nalanda served as a hub where all three major Buddhist doctrines—Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana—were taught. Monks from regions like China, Tibet, Central Asia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, and other Southeast Asian countries gravitated towards Nalanda, Bodhgaya, and Kurkihar for education.
The ruins excavated from this ancient institution reveal the use of bright red bricks in its construction, leaving remnants of its architectural brilliance.
Nalanda University has been rightfully recognized and included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.

Sirpur in Chhattisgarh

Sirpur in Chhattisgarh represents an early-Odisha architectural style, dating from 550 to 800 AD, encompassing Hindu and Buddhist shrines. This style later evolved in other areas, giving rise to sites like Lalitagiri, Vajragiri, and Ratnagiri.

Stupas

Stupas, renowned structures from the period between the Mauryas and Guptas, underwent enlargement during this era. The prominent ones among them include Sanchi, Bharhut, and Amaravati.

A stupa typically consists of a cylindrical drum or circular anda topped by a harmika and chhatra. Surrounding this structure is a pathway for circumambulation known as the Pradakshina path, enclosed by railings called vedika.

Bharhut Stupa

Situated in Madhya Pradesh, Bharhut Stupa holds historical significance:

Constructed during Ashoka’s reign, this site features a brick stupa.
The stupa’s carvings portray tales from the Jataka stories.
During the era of the Sungas, a stone railing was added to the site.
An exceptional aspect of Bharhut is the presence of narrative art coupled with an inscription, a rarity in other locations.
Crafted from red sandstone, Bharhut Stupa stands as a testament to ancient craftsmanship and storytelling.

Sanchi Stupa

Sanchi Stupa is the best-preserved stupa among three.
Ashoka likely laid the foundation of this stupa.
It underwent enlargement during the rule of the Sungas.
Toranas were added during the Satavahana era.
The railings portray stories from the Jataka tales.
Locally quarried sandstone was used to construct the Sanchi Stupa.

Amravati Stupa

Construction: Completed circa 200 AD.
Carved Panels: Narrate the life story of Buddha.
Architectural Style: Features surfaces carved in the Bharhut style, incorporating elements from Mathura and Gandhara sculptures.
Construction Material: Built using white marble limestone.

Nagarjunakonda Stupa:

Location: Located in Andhra Pradesh.
Era: Belonging to the Saka-Satavahana period.
Significance: Reflects the essence of Mahayana Buddhism.
Findings: Excavations have revealed stupa structures, chaityas (prayer halls), and mandapams (pillared halls).

Viharas

Viharas were ancient Buddhist monasteries in India. Originally, these were shelters used by traveling monks during the rainy season. Later transforming into centers of education and Buddhist architectural marvels due to contributions from affluent lay Buddhists.

The lifestyle within the “Viharas” was standardized early on, documented in a segment of the Pali canon known as the Vinaya Pitaka or “basket of monastic discipline.” Additionally Prominent sites like the Ajanta Caves, Aurangabad Caves, Karli Caves, and Kanheri Caves boast numerous viharas among their structures.

Read Also: Colonial Architecture in India

Chaityas

Chaityas are reflects structures in Indian religions, representing shrines, sanctuaries, or prayer halls. Indian rock-cut designs predominantly feature these architectural marvels.

They boast colossal halls adorned with high vaulted roofs, featuring intricate sculptural works embellishing the pillars and entrances. Among the Buddhist monuments in India, the Karle caves house the largest Chaitya-Griha, showcasing the grandeur of these halls.

In many instances, Chaityas exhibit a stupa positioned at their rear. They were crafted in various forms, including rectangular halls or halls with apsidal vault roofs or pillarless apsidal vaults.

The legacy of Buddhist Architecture in India spans centuries, thriving alongside Hindu traditions. Sites like Ellora, housing monuments from Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism, symbolize this diverse heritage. From the ancient Mahabodhi Temple at Bodhgaya to the expansive viharas and chaityas scattered across the country, each structure is a testament to India’s rich spiritual and architectural heritage.

Points To Remember

Largest Stupa: Kesariya Stupa in Bihar
Oldest Stupa: Great Stupa at Sanchi
Dhamekh Stupa: The location where Buddha proclaimed his faith
Chaukhandi Stupa: Features an octagonal tower constructed by Emperor Akbar to honor his father’s association with the Stupa.
It’s noteworthy that the First Buddhist Architecture at Bodhgaya, is at the Bodhi tree’s base. It is also believed to have been commissioned by King Ashoka.

Read Also: Architecture in Ancient India