Sunga
- Scope note
- Refers to the culture created during the Sunga dynasty of the 2nd and 1st centuries BCE in India. The Sungas overthrew the Maurya empire in 185 BCE. The Sunga empire was not as extensive as that of the Mauryas, so while works of art created during this time may be said to belong to the Sunga period, this term does not always imply patronage or Sunga control over a certain area. With the Sunga period began an unbroken continuum of Indian art and architecture. The earliest surviving stupa railing, along with part of a gateway, was found in Bharhut in eastern Madhya Pradesh and dates from this period. As was the case with other early stupa railings, figures and reliefs were donated by individuals whose names were inscribed. Labels often identify the scenes depicted since Buddhist iconography was still in its infancy. Overall, emphasis in Sunga art was placed on the communication of a religious message at the expense of naturalism; this becomes a dominant feature of later Indian art as well. Carved yakshi and yaksha figures and other pre-Buddhist dieties that were incorporated into the fold of Buddhism are commonly found. An important difference between these figures and earlier ones is that many have a more relaxed left leg. The figures are still stiff and heavy like Maurya figures, but the thick garments and high polish are gone. Other important sites include the rock-cut caves in the western Ghats, particularly those of Bhaja and Pitalkhora. These Buddhist cave settlements consisted of a caitya hall and living quarters for the monks (viharas). The facades were usually decorated with horseshoe-shaped arches while the interior sculptural decoration was generally simple; painting and wooden additions were probably once part of the iconographic and decorative schemes.
- Date of creation: 29-Apr-2024
Accepted term: 29-Apr-2024 
