Cultural Achievements Of Sungas 64603c

CULTURAL ACHIEVEMENTS OF SUNGAS     

Glorious Era in the annals of Indian History Rulers saved the country from foreign invasions Resisted foreign attacks and thus liberty and unity of the country could be safe in their hands Greatest contribution is in the domain of culture Every aspect of culture – religion, art and literature flourished

Religion:         

Revived Brahmanism in place of Buddhism Sunga rule was the result of Brahmanic revolt against the weak and Buddhist monarchy of the Mauryas Pushyamitra – staunch follower of Brahmin religion Performed two “Ashvamedha Yajnas” >> re-established Brahmins religion Change in the religious faith of the people People started worshipping : Karthikeya – The God of War Ideals of Brahmanism were contained in “Manusmrithi” Pushyamitra – Hindu >> contributed for the development of Hinduism Beginning of revival of Hinduism reached its extreme limits under Gupta Dynasty

Literature: 

Sufficient progess in the field of literature

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Rulers were able patrons of literature and learning Patanjali – “Mahabhashya” provided fresh stimulus to study of Sanskrit literature “Manusmrithi” - Sumathi Bhargava ->> some portions of Ramayana and Mahabharatha composed during this period Vatsayana – “Kamasutra” > imp literary achievement

Progress of Art:     

Remarkable progress in the field of Art Every aspect of art – architecture, sculpture, painting etc. flourished Railing with the height of 2.13 mts was constructed round the stupa 4 beautiful gates to the wall was constructed The beauty of Bharhut was enhance due to wall and gates

Stupa of Sanchi was also enlarged by Sunga rulers Ashoka built Sanchi stupa – sungas increased height of this stupa to 16.5 mts and diameter to 36 mts Stone was used in place of bricks and wood  Art of painting was also in advanced stage  Picture of trees, birds and animals painted on the gateways of the stupas prove that the artists not only loved the living creatures but also had love and regard for the entire humanity and nature

 Art of Sunga period was different from that of the Mauryan period  Firstly, wood and bricks were used in the construction of buildings and stupas during Mauryan period but these were replaced by stone during the reign of Sungas  Secondly, Mauryan art was dominated by religious zeal and the Mauryan rulers gave patronage to it, while the art of Sunga period was free of Sectarianism