Buddhist Architecture in India

Numerous architectural traditions in India find their roots intertwined with the legacies of Buddhism and Jainism. Spanning from the fifth to the fourteenth centuries, the evolution of Buddhism paralleled the dynamism of Hinduism, often harmonizing in a remarkable display of artistic synergy. Historical sites such as Ellora stand as living testaments, where Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monuments coexist in architectural splendor.

At the pinnacle of India’s Buddhist sites rests Bodhgaya, a sanctuary of profound pilgrimage. It was within these hallowed grounds that Siddhartha’s enlightenment transpired, giving rise to Gautama Buddha. Amidst the reverence for the Bodhi tree, the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya emerges as an enduring tribute to the architectural prowess of its era.

It is noteworthy that the inaugural shrine at Bodhgaya, nestled at the foot of the Bodhi tree, is attributed to the visionary craftsmanship of King Ashoka.

The Mahabodhi Temple’s design defies easy categorization. Neither strictly adhering to the Dravida nor Nagara architectural conventions, it stands as a unique embodiment of creativity. While mirroring the slender grace of a Nagara temple, its ascent lacks the customary curvilinear trajectory, reminiscent of the Dravida style.

Notable architectural landmarks in India with connections to Buddhism

Nalanda University

The monastic complex of Nalanda stands as a grand mahavihara, comprising an intricate network of diverse monasteries, each varying in size. The primary insights into Nalanda’s history are gleaned from the writings of Xuan Zang—previously spelled as ‘Hsuan-tsang’—which chronicle that Kumargupta I laid the foundation for a monastery during the fifth century CE.

Historical accounts indicate that Nalanda was a bastion of all three significant Buddhist doctrines—Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. Monks from lands as diverse as China, Tibet, Central Asia to the north, and Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, and other southeastern Asian countries journeyed to Nalanda and its nearby counterparts like Bodhgaya and Kurkihar.

Archaeological remnants of this institution reveal the use of vibrant red bricks in its construction, adding to its visual allure.

Its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site underscores the profound historical and cultural significance of Nalanda.

Sirpur in Chhattisgarh

In the historical tapestry of Sirpur, located in Chhattisgarh, an early Odisha architectural style emerges, spanning the era from 550 to 800 CE.

• This site showcases an intricate fusion of both Hindu and Buddhist shrines, embodying a cultural crossroads.
• This architectural essence later found its way to other regions, such as Lalitagiri, Vajragiri, and Ratnagiri, echoing its influence.

Buddhist Enclaves in Sirpur

Stupas

During the transitional period from the Mauryas to the Guptas, the older stupas underwent expansion, marking an evolution in design and significance.

• Among these, the renowned Sanchi, Bharhut, and Amaravati stupas stand as enduring monuments.
• The stupa structure is crowned with a cylindrical drum or circular anda, adorned with harmika and chhatra.
• Enclosing the circumambulatory path, the Pradakshina path, are railings known as vedika.

Bharhut Stupa

Situated in Madhya Pradesh, the Bharhut stupa was erected during Ashoka’s reign, its bricks narrating tales of Jataka and legends.

Notably, a stone railing was added during the Sunga period, adorned with narrative art and a unique inscription. The distinctiveness of Bharhut lies in its red sandstone composition, a canvas of historical artistry.

Sanchi Stupa

Among the trio, the Sanchi stupa stands as the most meticulously preserved.

• Its origins trace back to Ashoka, its structure expanded during the Sunga era, and later adorned with toranas during the Satavahana rule.
• The intricate railings of Sanchi bear the artistic weight of Jataka tales.
• Locally quarried sandstone forms the foundation of this masterpiece.

Amaravati Stupa

• Completed around 200 AD, the Amaravati stupa unfolds a visual narrative of Buddha’s life through exquisitely carved panels.
• The artistic influences span from the Bharhut style to hints of Mathura and Gandhara sculptural traditions.
• Crafted from white marble limestone, Amaravati encapsulates timeless artistry.

Nagarjunakonda Stupa

Found in Andhra Pradesh, the Nagarjunakonda stupa stands as a testament to the Saka-Satavahana era’s Mahayana Buddhist essence.

Through excavations, a realm of stupa, chaityas, and mandapams emerges, offering glimpses into a rich cultural heritage.

Facts to Remember

• The largest stupa: Kesariya stupa in Bihar.
• The oldest stupa: The Great Stupa at Sanchi.
• Dhamekh stupa: The place where Buddha proclaimed his faith.
• Chaukhandi stupa: Features an octagonal tower commissioned by Emperor Akbar to honor his father’s connection to the Stupa.

Viharas

The term “vihara” in ancient India referred to a Buddhist monastery.

• Originally serving as shelters for wandering monks during the monsoon season, they transformed into centers of learning and Buddhist architectural excellence through generous donations from affluent lay Buddhists.
• The regulations governing life within these “Viharas” were established early on and are documented in the Vinaya Pitaka, a component of the Pali canon.
• Prominent sites like the Ajanta Caves, Aurangabad Caves, Karli Caves, and Kanheri Caves encompass multiple viharas, symbolizing the proliferation of this architectural form.

Ellora’s Rock-Cut Viharas

Chaityas

• The term pertains to a sanctuary, temple, or prayer hall in the realm of Indian religions. Surviving examples predominantly manifest in Indian rock-cut architecture.
• Chaityas feature grand halls with lofty vaulted roofs adorned with intricate sculptures on pillars and entrances.
• Among the Buddhist monuments in India, the Karle Caves house the largest Chaitya-Griha, exuding magnificence.
• Numerous Chaityas exhibit a stupa positioned at their rear. These spaces were sculpted either as rectangular halls or apsidal vault-roof or apsidal vault pillarless halls, presenting varied architectural expressions.

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