Early Andhra

Scope note: Refers to the ancient culture of the Andhra region of central India, particularly from the 1st century BC to the early 3rd century CE. At the end of the 1st century BC the Andhras made impressive stone renovations and additions to the stupa at Sanchi, particularly the four carved gates (toranas), resulting in it becoming the greatest Buddhist monument in India. Other Buddhist complexes were built by the Andhrans, including the Great Stupa at Amaravati in the 2nd century. Amaravati was the principal city of the Satavahanas who were great builders; the Buddhist monuments of this city inaugurated a new style of architecture. The Great Stupa at Amaravati, for example, boasted a upper level for circumambulation, richly carved railings, and columns instead of toranas. Early Andhra sculpture, particularly the abundant architectural reliefs, are noted for their decorative story-telling & their encyclopedic quality; delicate floral design, naturalistic depictions of animals, and sensuous and voluptuous human figures are highly valued. As in other early Buddhist art, Buddha is usually represented symbolically, but around 200 CE, Buddha is also shown as a human figure; sometimes these two methods of depiction are found on the same monument.

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Tesaurus d'Art i Arquitectura