Question

What was the influence of Buddhism on the evolution of art and architecture in India?

Answer 1

Art and Architecture: Buddhism made an immense contribution to the evolution of art and architecture. Stupas, chaityas, viharas, and rock-cut cave temples were their unique contribution. The stupa is a semi-spherical solid dome-like structure containing the relics of Buddha-like hair, teeth, or bones. The Stupas at Sanchi, Bharhut, and Amaravati are remarkable specimens of art surviving up to this day. The Chaityas were rectangular halls with a semi-circular roof supported by a number of columns. These halls were meant for worship. The Viharas were the monasteries for the monks to live in. Later when statues of Buddha began to be carved after the Christian era, there emerged several schools of art and architecture. Even during Mauryan times, especially during the time of Ashoka, stone cutting and chiseling of pillars required high technical skills.