The Buddhist Art of Nagarjunakonda (Edition 1994)

Nagarjunakonda is an important archaeological site in India, located in the present-day state of Andhra Pradesh. It is renowned for its Buddhist art, architecture, and the significant role it played in the spread of Buddhism during the 2nd to 3rd century CE. Nagarjunakonda was a major Buddhist monastic and cultural center, serving as the capital of the Ikshvaku dynasty and the home to a thriving Buddhist community. Here's an overview of the Buddhist art of Nagarjunakonda:

1. Stupas and Monasteries

The site is most famous for its well-preserved stupas and monasteries. The stupas were built to enshrine relics of the Buddha, and many of them were elaborately decorated with sculptures depicting various aspects of the Buddha's life and teachings. These stupas are the hallmark of Nagarjunakonda’s Buddhist heritage. Some prominent ones include:

• The Great Stupa: This is one of the largest stupas at Nagarjunakonda, measuring 18 meters in diameter. It was built in the 3rd century CE and is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.
• The Monastery Complex: The site contains the remains of a large monastic complex, with numerous cells and chapels. This complex is important as it shows how monastic life was organized and supported by the local community.

2. Sculptures and Reliefs

Nagarjunakonda is famous for its rich collection of sculptural art, which includes high-quality stone carvings and reliefs. These sculptures predominantly depict scenes from the life of the Buddha and significant moments in his teachings. The art found here includes:

• Buddha Images: The sculptures often feature the Buddha in various postures, such as the meditative pose, the preaching pose, and the reclining Buddha. These images are influenced by the artistic styles of the Gandhara and Mathura schools, but also have unique regional characteristics.
• Jataka Tales: Several reliefs depict the Jataka tales, which are stories about the previous lives of the Buddha. These scenes are significant for understanding Buddhist iconography and the moral lessons taught through these stories.
• Scenes of Devotion: Reliefs also show devotees worshiping the Buddha, indicating the importance of the Buddha as an object of reverence.

3. Pillars and Inscriptions

There are several pillars and inscriptions scattered throughout the site, many of which provide valuable insights into the history and organization of Buddhist communities during this time. The inscriptions are written in Brahmi script and include references to donations made by local patrons, as well as details about the functioning of the monastic institutions. These inscriptions help us understand the socio-political and religious dynamics of the region.

4. Iconography and Symbolism

The Buddhist art at Nagarjunakonda showcases a rich use of symbolism. Rather than focusing solely on figurative representations of the Buddha, the art also employs symbols such as:

• The Lotus: Symbolizing purity and enlightenment, it is commonly seen in many of the reliefs and sculptures.
• The Wheel of Dharma: This is often depicted to represent the teachings of the Buddha and his path to enlightenment.
• Bodhisattvas: In addition to the Buddha, the art also represents Bodhisattvas—beings who have attained enlightenment but choose to remain in the cycle of birth and rebirth to help others.

5. Cultural Influence

Nagarjunakonda, being at the crossroads of various ancient trade routes, absorbed and incorporated various influences from regions like Gandhara, Mathura, and even Southeast Asia. This made the art at Nagarjunakonda a unique blend of different cultural and religious elements. While the dominant influence is clearly Buddhist, the region also saw the interaction of Hindu and other religious symbols, which were sometimes incorporated into the art and iconography.

6. The Decline and Rediscovery

By the 5th century CE, the prominence of Nagarjunakonda as a Buddhist center began to decline, partly due to the rise of Hinduism and later Muslim invasions. The site was eventually abandoned and forgotten, buried under the waters of the Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir in the 1960s. However, it was rediscovered in the mid-20th century during excavation projects, which uncovered many of the sculptures, relics, and other artifacts that are now housed in the local museum.