The Gupta empire reached its extent during the period c. 317 AD – c. 467 AD. Gupta age was presented as the Golden Age by the Nationalist School of Indian History at the counter of the Colonial School of Indian History. The Gupta dynasty was founded by Sri Gupta. The Gupta Age was accepted as a golden age in several fields but it was not a golden age in absolute terms. But during this age art and architecture reached a new height.
During Gupta age, three principal deities were worshipped; in northern region Lord Vishnu was worshipped, in central parts Lord Shiva and in southern part Shakti was worshipped. Hence, during this period temple architecture reached to it climax and Buddhist & Jainism art also reached a new height.
Also Read : Mauryan Architecture and Art
Art During the Post-Mauryan Period
Architecture During The Harappan Age
Caves
During this age, the architectural development of caves remains constant but us of mural paintings on the walls become new features of the caves. Ellora, Ajanta, Bagh, Junagarh etc. were prominent examples of the caves with mural paintings.
Ellora Caves
The Ellora caves are situated in Sahyadri range in Maharashtra, which were developed during the period between 5th and 11th centuries AD. There are a total of 34 caves in Ellora comprising Buddhism, Brahmanical and Jain caves. The rock-cut temple of Kailash is a world-famous monolithic architecture at the caves of Ellora. Other prominent arts are Ravana shaking Mount Kailash, Dashavatara temple etc.
Ajanta Caves
Ajanta caves also situated in Sahyadri range in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. There is total 29 caves; comprising both Chaityas and Viharas. These caves developed during the period between 200 BC to 650 AD. These caves were inscribed by Buddhist monks and patronised by Vakataka kings. The paintings of these caves are generally inspired by the Buddha and Jataka stories. These caves also found mention in the account the prominent Chinese travelers; Fa Hien and Huien Tsang. The prominent example is the dying princess of Ajanta.
Other Prominent Caves of this Age
Bagh caves located in Madhya Pradesh, are group of Buddhist caves developed around 6th century AD. Junagarh caves in modern-day Gujarat which comprises a unique feature Upar Kot (high citadel). Nashik caves are famously known as “Pandav Leni” developed during 1st century AD and belong to Hinayana Buddhism and have an excellent water management system.
Mandapeshwar caves situate at Mumbai, developed during late Gupta age and Brahmanical in religious nature but later converted to Christian caves. Udayagiri caves in Madhya Pradesh were patronised by Chandragupta in early 5th century. There are numerous sculptures inscribed in these caves including sculptures of Varaha or Boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu, others of Lord Shiva.
Stupas and Sculptures
The art of sculpture during Gupta age saw a decline as there are only few examples of sculptures like Dhamek stupa at Sarnath. A new school of sculpture developed around Sarnath which used cream color sandstone and use of metal and have sculptures with dressed and lacked any form of nakedness. For example, Sultan Ganj Buddha sculpture.
Thus, the art during the Gupta age reached a new height.