Amravati School of Art: History, Themes, Important Centres, Significance

Amravati School of Art: India is a land of art and culture. From ancient times, people in this region have created beautiful paintings, carvings, and sculptures. One of the most famous styles is the Amravati School of Art. This style of temple architecture is known for its detailed carvings and graceful figures. 

The Amravati School of Art flourished under the reign of the Satavahanas many centuries ago. The main centres emerged in and around the region of present-day Andhra Pradesh. It also influenced the art styles in countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar.

What is Amravati School of Art?

Amravati School of Art is an ancient style of sculpture. It started in the town of Amravati in present-day Andhra Pradesh. This art style developed between the 2nd century BCE and the 3rd century CE.

• The practitioners of this Art used white limestone to make sculptures. They decorated stupas, gateways, and railings with fine carvings. 

• Most of the carvings told stories from the life of Buddha and Jataka tales. It is special because the figures look lively and natural. The bodies are slim, the faces are calm, and the clothes are shown in detail. 

• The Amravati style spread to other regions and even influenced art in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, like Thailand and Myanmar.

Historical Background of Amravati School of Art

The history of Amravati School of Art is associated with the Satavahana dynasty. The Satavahanas ruled Andhra Pradesh around the 2nd century BCE. They were great supporters of Buddhism. 

• The Satavahanas built stupas and encouraged artists to decorate them. The Amravati School reached its peak during the Satavahana rule.

• The Amravati Stupa, also called the Great Stupa of Amravati, was one of the largest in India. It became a centre of Buddhist art and culture. The stupa was covered with panels showing events from Buddha’s life.

• Later dynasties like the Ikshvakus also supported this style. However, after the 3rd century CE, it slowly declined. However, the legacy of Amravati continued to inspire artists for many centuries.

Features of Amravati School of Art

The Amravati School of Art has many unique features. These features make it different from other art schools of ancient India and also make the Amravati School stand out as one of the finest in Indian art history. Some of the prominent features of the Amravati School of Art are provided in the table below:

Themes in Amravati Art

The themes of Amravati art are mostly related to Buddhism. The artists wanted to spread the message of peace, kindness, and compassion through their work. The themes make Amravati art not just religious, but also a record of society and culture.

Important Centres of Amravati School of Art

The Amravati School spread to many centres in Andhra Pradesh. These centres played a key role in spreading Buddhist art and culture in South India. Some of the important centres where the Amravati School of Art prevailed are as follows:

• Amravati Stupa: The main centre, famous for its large size and rich carvings.

• Nagarjunakonda: Another site with stupas and sculptures in the Amravati style.

• Jaggayyapeta: Known for its Buddhist monuments and carvings.

• Goli and Gummadidurru: Smaller sites that followed the same style.

Gandhara, Mathura, Amravati School of Art UPSC

India had many art schools at the same time. The three most famous are Amravati, Mathura, and Gandhara. While Amravati was delicate and narrative, Mathura was bold and strong, and Gandhara was realistic with foreign influence. The differences between these art styles are summarized in the table below:

Significance of Amravati School of Art

Amravati School was developed and flourished in and around Andhra Pradesh under the rule of the Satavahanas and other South Indian kingdoms later. The Amravati School is a proud part of India’s art heritage and was significant in several ways. The significance of the Amravati School of Art is summarized below:

• Cultural Value: It shows the rich cultural life of South India under the Satavahanas.

• Religious Importance: It spread the message of Buddhism through stories and symbols.

• Artistic Excellence: The fine carvings show the skill of Indian craftsmen.

• Influence Abroad: The style influenced Buddhist art in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.

• Heritage: Today, many Amravati sculptures are preserved in museums like the British Museum and the Indian Museum, Kolkata.

Amravati School of Art UPSC

The Amravati School of Art was developed several centuries ago in India. Some of the interesting facts related to the Amravati School of Art are as follows:

• The Amravati Stupa was one of the largest Buddhist stupas in India.

• The stupa was almost 95 feet high and richly decorated.

• Amravati sculptures were made using white limestone, not sandstone.

• In early carvings, Buddha was shown using symbols like the Bodhi tree and wheel.

• Some Amravati sculptures are now kept in the British Museum, London.

• The Amravati School influenced art in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand.

• The carvings show not just religion, but also details of daily life in ancient India.