Buddhism originated in India with the death of Siddharta Gautama in c.483. His teachings spread and, with the adoption of Buddhism in India as the state religion, Buddhist arts began to flourish. Who is responsible for the growth of Buddhism in India? What are the different styles and representations of the Buddha at this early stage? How do these styles change over time? Chaitya Hall The Chaitya Hall was a common format for worship in India. Discuss the three Chaitya Halls you have learned in this unit in terms of its style and meaning. Sculptural Bodies Depictions of the body changes according to its function within visual culture and with the skill of the carver. Discuss the different ways in which the body is depicted and any types of stylistic variations that create these differences. Outside Influences The empires of India expanded and contracted over time. Discuss the various styles in early Indian sculpture and how outside influences might have played a role in them. Identify what those influences were and how they're manifested in Indian visual culture.

### Growth of Buddhism in India The growth of Buddhism in India can be attributed to several key figures and factors. Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, laid the foundational teachings of Buddhism in the 5th century BCE. However, it was during the reign of Emperor Ashoka (c. 268–232 BCE) that Buddhism truly flourished. Ashoka, after converting to Buddhism, actively promoted the religion across his empire through edicts, the construction of stupas, and the sending of missionaries to other regions. His support helped establish Buddhism as a major religious and cultural force in India. ### Early Styles and Representations of the Buddha In the early stages of Buddhist art, particularly during the 3rd century BCE to the 1st century CE, representations of the Buddha were often aniconic, meaning that the Buddha was not depicted in human form. Instead, symbols such as the lotus, the dharma wheel, and footprints were used to represent his presence. As Buddhism spread, particularly with the influence of the Gandhara and Mathura schools of art, more anthropomorphic representations emerged. The Gandhara style, influenced by Hellenistic art due to the interactions with the Greeks, depicted the Buddha with realistic features, draped clothing, and a serene expression. In contrast, the Mathura style was more indigenous, characterized by a more robust and less naturalistic representation of the Buddha, often with a more pronounced spiritual aura. Over time, these styles evolved, with the Gupta period (c. 320–550 CE) introducing a more refined and idealized form of the Buddha, emphasizing grace and serenity. The Buddha was often depicted in a meditative pose, with a more elongated body and a gentle expression, reflecting the spiritual ideals of the time. ### Chaitya Halls Chaitya Halls were important architectural forms for Buddhist worship, serving as prayer halls that housed stupas. Three notable examples include: 1. **The Karla Caves (Maharashtra)**: Dating back to the 2nd century BCE, the Karla Chaitya Hall is known for its grand scale and intricate rock-cut architecture. The hall features a large stupa at the end, surrounded by a semi-circular apse. The use of wooden beams in the ceiling, despite being carved from rock, reflects the influence of wooden architecture. 2. **The Bhaja Caves (Maharashtra)**: Also from the 2nd century BCE, the Bhaja Chaitya Hall is smaller and simpler than Karla but features a similar layout. The hall is notable for its simplicity and the use of natural light, with a large stupa at the center. The rock-cut pillars are less ornate, emphasizing the spiritual focus of the space. 3. **The Ajanta Caves (Maharashtra)**: Dating from the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE, the Ajanta Chaitya Halls are renowned for their elaborate frescoes and sculptures. The Chaitya Hall here is larger and more complex, with intricate carvings and a highly decorative stupa. The use of narrative art in the surrounding walls enhances the spiritual experience. These Chaitya Halls reflect the evolution of Buddhist architecture, moving from simple rock-cut structures to more elaborate and artistically rich spaces that served as centers for worship and community gathering. ### Sculptural Bodies The depiction of the body in early Indian sculpture varied significantly based on its function within visual culture and the skill of the carver. Early representations of the Buddha often emphasized symbolic elements rather than realistic anatomy. As the art evolved, the body began to be depicted with greater attention to proportion and detail. 1. **Aniconic Representations**: In the earliest forms, the Buddha was represented through symbols, such as the lotus or the dharma wheel, which conveyed his teachings without depicting a physical form. 2. **Gandhara Style**: This style introduced more realistic human forms, influenced by Greco-Roman art. The Buddha was depicted with detailed facial features, flowing robes, and a sense of movement, reflecting a blend of cultural influences. 3. **Mathura Style**: In contrast, the Mathura style emphasized a more robust and spiritual representation of the Buddha. The figures were often more stylized, with an emphasis on the spiritual essence rather than physical realism. 4. **Gupta Period**: The Gupta period saw a refinement in the depiction of the body, with an idealized form that emphasized grace and serenity. The figures were often elongated, with a focus on the spiritual rather than the physical, reflecting the philosophical ideals of the time. ### Outside Influences The empires of India, such as the Maurya and Gupta, were not isolated; they interacted with various cultures, leading to a rich exchange of artistic styles. Key outside influences included: 1. **Hellenistic Influence**: Following Alexander the Great's conquests, Greek art and culture influenced