Chapter 10: Buildings, Paintings, and Books

Around 1500 years ago, India witnessed significant developments in writing and painting. This period saw the construction of magnificent temples, the creation of detailed manuscripts, and the flourishing of art in places like Ajanta. These advancements are documented in Chapter 11 of the Class 6 History textbook, which delves into the intricacies of buildings, paintings, and books from this era.

The Iron Pillar

The Iron Pillar at Mehrauli in Delhi is a testament to the exceptional skills of Indian craftsmen. Standing 7.2 meters high and weighing over 3 tonnes, this iron pillar was erected about 1500 years ago. An inscription on the pillar mentions a ruler named Chandra, likely from the Gupta dynasty. Remarkably, the pillar has not rusted over the centuries, showcasing the advanced metallurgical knowledge of ancient India.

Buildings in Brick and Stone

Stupas

Stupas, which are mound-like structures, reflect the architectural prowess of ancient India. These structures varied in shape and size but shared common features. At the center of a stupa was a small box, the relic casket, containing bodily remains of the Buddha or his followers, or items they used, often accompanied by precious stones and coins. This box was covered with earth, and layers of mud brick or baked brick were added, forming a dome. The stupa was surrounded by a path for devotees to walk around in devotion, often adorned with railings and gateways decorated with sculptures.

Temples

Early Hindu temples were built during this period, with deities such as Vishnu, Shiva, and Durga worshipped in these shrines. The central part of the temple, the garbhagriha, housed the deity’s image and was the site of religious rituals. Temples also featured a tower, the shikhara, above the garbhagriha, marking the sacred space, and a hall, the mandapa, where people could gather.

Construction of Stupas and Temples

Building stupas and temples was a complex and expensive process. Kings or queens initiated these projects, requiring high-quality stone to be quarried, transported, shaped, and carved. Craftspersons meticulously placed these stones to form pillars, walls, and ceilings. Funding for these projects came from royal treasuries, and devotees often contributed gifts for decoration. Merchants, farmers, and artisans also sponsored parts of the construction, with their names inscribed on the buildings as a mark of their contribution.

Painting

Ajanta is famous for its caves, which were monasteries for Buddhist monks. These caves were adorned with intricate paintings depicting various aspects of life and Buddhist teachings, showcasing the rich tradition of Indian painting.

The World of Books

Epics

This era produced some of the most renowned epics. The Tamil epic, the Silappadikaram, composed by Ilango around 1800 years ago, tells the story of the merchant Kovalan, his courtesan lover Madhavi, and his faithful wife Kannagi. Another Tamil epic, the Manimekalai, written by Sattanar around 1400 years ago, narrates the tale of Kovalan and Madhavi’s daughter.

Puranas

During this period, the Puranas were written, containing stories about gods and goddesses like Vishnu, Shiva, and Durga. These texts, written in simple Sanskrit verse, were accessible to all, including women and Shudras, who were otherwise excluded from studying the Vedas. The Puranas detailed worship practices and were recited in temples for the public.

Mahabharata and Ramayana

The Mahabharata and Ramayana, two Sanskrit epics, were also significant. The Mahabharata narrates the war between the Kauravas and Pandavas, while the Ramayana tells the story of Rama’s exile and his quest to rescue his wife Sita from Ravana, the king of Lanka. Valmiki is credited with writing the Ramayana.

Storytelling by Ordinary People

Ordinary people also played a role in preserving stories through oral traditions. Collections like the Jatakas and the Panchatantra, written around this time, contain tales that were popular among the masses. These stories were often depicted in art, such as on the railings of stupas and in paintings at Ajanta.

Scientific Writing

Aryabhata, a renowned mathematician and astronomer, wrote the Aryabhatiyam in Sanskrit. He proposed that day and night were caused by the Earth’s rotation on its axis and provided a scientific explanation for eclipses. Aryabhata also developed a method for calculating the circumference of a circle, highlighting the scientific advancements of the time.