Discover the rich history and architectural elegance of Buddhist and Jain temples, exploring the artistry and design of renowned sites like the Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, and Dilwara Temples.
Throughout the period from the fifth to the fourteenth centuries, Buddhist and Jain architectural developments were equally significant, often running parallel to Hindu architectural progress.
Monuments in places like Ellora represent Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain influences, while sites like Badami, Khajuraho, and Kannauj contain the remains of multiple religious structures side by side.
After the Gupta Empire’s decline, Bihar and Bengal remained unified under the Palas in the eighth century, while small Rajput principalities developed to the west.
The Pala ruler Dharmapala consolidated power and created an empire based on agriculture and international trade.
Bodhgaya and the Mahabodhi Temple
Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya - A UNESCO World Heritage site, this sacred temple marks the spot where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.
Bodhgaya is the principal Buddhist site where Siddhartha attained enlightenment. The Mahabodhi Temple here is an important architectural relic from the Pala period, though it has been largely reconstructed during the Colonial Period.
The Mahabodhi Temple is not strictly Nagara or Dravida; it is narrow like a Nagara temple but rises without curving, similar to a Dravida design.
Nalanda University
Nalanda University - The ancient seat of learning, Nalanda stands as a symbol of intellectual brilliance and architectural grandeur in Indian history.
Nalanda was an ancient monastic university, considered a mahavihara—a complex of several monasteries. It was founded by Kumargupta I in the fifth century and flourished under later monarchs.
The university attracted monks from various countries, including China, Tibet, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Burma, who took art and manuscripts back with them.
The sculptural art of Nalanda evolved from the Gupta art of Sarnath and was marked by detailed and three-dimensional depictions, often influenced by the local Bihar tradition.
During the eleventh and twelfth centuries, the focus shifted to Vajrayana deities due to Nalanda’s emergence as a tantric center.
Excavated Site of Nalanda - Archaeological excavations reveal the ancient grandeur of Nalanda, providing insight into the intellectual and architectural legacy of the university.
Sirpur and Other Buddhist Sites
Sirpur in Chhattisgarh and other sites in Odisha, such as Lalitagiri, Vajragiri, and Ratnagiri, reflect the development of Buddhist architecture, with similarities to Nalanda's style.
The coastal town of Nagapattinam was a significant Buddhist center, especially during the Chola period, with influences from trade with Sri Lanka.
Lakshmana Temple, Sirpur - This 7th-century temple showcases the exceptional architectural and sculptural finesse of ancient Indian artisans.
Jain Architecture
Jain Architectural Developments
Jains were prolific builders of temples, and their sacred sites are spread throughout India. Some of the oldest Jain pilgrimage sites are found in Bihar.
Notable Jain sites include Ellora and Aihole in the Deccan, and Deogarh, Khajuraho, Chanderi, and Gwalior in central India.
Sravana Belagola in Karnataka is home to the world’s tallest monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali, commissioned by Camundaraya of the Ganga dynasty.
Lord Bahubali Gomateshwara, Karnataka - A towering monolithic statue symbolizing peace and spiritual transcendence, one of the most important Jain sculptures in India.
The Jain temples at Mount Abu, built by Vimal Shah, are famous for their simplistic exteriors and exuberant marble interiors with rich sculptural decoration.
Jain Sculpture, Mount Abu - This exquisite sculpture reflects the Jain philosophy and art, carved with intricate detail and rich symbolism.
Palitana in Gujarat is another major Jain pilgrimage site, featuring scores of temples clustered together on the Shatrunjay hills.
Materials and Art Forms
Architectural and sculptural remains from this period are made of stone, terracotta, and bronze. While many sculptures were also created in silver and gold, these materials were often melted down and reused.
Wood and ivory sculptures have not survived, due to their fragility, and painted sculptures are rare due to the difficulty of preserving pigments over time.
Despite these challenges, murals in religious buildings have survived as a testament to the rich tradition of painting during this time.
Dilwara Jain Temples, Mount Abu - Known for their exquisite marble carvings, these temples are a prime example of Jain architectural artistry.
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