Amaravati art [Photo gallery]
From ancient times Andhra Pradesh always formed a significant territorial and cultural unit on the southern side of the Vindhyan range in the Indian subcontinent. The region witnessed the emergence of a number of Buddhist monastic establishments from the pre-Christian Era. Among them Amaravati, located on the right bank of the river Krishna evolved as the greatest Buddhist monastic centre. It was near the ancient ruined city of Dhanyakataka/Dharanikota. The Mahacaitya or the Great stupa of Amaravati characterized by its massive size and iconoplastic grandeur stood as one of the finest Buddhist monument of ancient India. Amaravati developed a distinct art style which percolated to the neighbouring sites leading to the formation of the ‘Amaravati School of Art’.
Amaravati Art has a distinct place in the history of artistic activities in India. Amaravati contributed greatly to the evolution of aesthetics in India and made its impact felt on various art centres of India, Sri Lanka and South East Asia. However, one needs to critically analyse whether the impact was generated by Amaravati repertoire or Amaravati Art was touched by features already seen in early art traditions of India, Sri Lanka and South East Asia. This is an interesting facet which we intend to explore while investigating the artistic linkages between early art tradition of India and South and South East Asia.
The associated study researches the form, content and the manner of depiction while locating the interrelations and impact of Amaravati repertoire on art representations in India and abroad.
Source: Shodhganga.
Gallery: 207 images
Click each photos to see detailled description, exif-information and high-resolution:
