Bharhut Stupa

The Bharhut Stupa is an ancient Buddhist monument located in the Satna district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is one of the earliest and most significant examples of Buddhist art and architecture, dating back to the 3rd century BCE, during the Mauryan period. The stupa is renowned for its intricately carved railings, gateways, and narrative reliefs that depict various events from the life of the Buddha and the Jataka tales. The monument provides valuable insight into early Buddhist iconography and the artistic traditions of the time.

Historical Background

The Bharhut Stupa is believed to have been originally commissioned during the reign of Emperor Ashoka (c. 268–232 BCE), a great patron of Buddhism who encouraged the construction of stupas and monasteries across his empire. Archaeological evidence indicates that while the core structure of the stupa dates to the Mauryan period, most of the elaborate stone railings and gateways were added during the Shunga period (2nd century BCE).
The stupa was rediscovered in the late 19th century by the British archaeologist Sir Alexander Cunningham in 1873. He documented the site extensively and transferred many of its sculptures and railings to the Indian Museum in Kolkata, where they remain preserved today.

Architectural Features

The Bharhut Stupa was constructed in the typical hemispherical form, representing the mound where the relics of the Buddha or revered monks were enshrined. The original structure was made of brick and later encased in stone. Surrounding the stupa was a stone railing (vedika) with exquisitely carved panels and upright posts (stambhas) connected by crossbars (suchis).
The key architectural features include:

• Vedika (Railing): The railing encircling the stupa is one of its most remarkable features, covered with sculptural panels illustrating Buddhist legends and symbols.
• Toranas (Gateways): The gateways at the cardinal points were added later, elaborately carved with scenes from the Buddha’s previous births and symbolic motifs.
• Medallions and Lintels: Decorative motifs, such as lotus flowers, lions, elephants, and yakshas, adorn the medallions and lintels, reflecting early Indian artistic conventions.
• Stupa Dome: The hemispherical dome, symbolic of the cosmic mountain, represents the Buddhist ideal of enlightenment and the spiritual journey.

Sculptural and Artistic Style

The sculpture of the Bharhut Stupa belongs to the early phase of Indian stone carving. The figures are simple, linear, and narrative in nature, conveying stories through sequential scenes. Artists used low relief carving, characterised by precise lines, minimal depth, and detailed ornamentation.
Distinctive features of Bharhut art include:

• Aniconic Representation: In keeping with early Buddhist tradition, the Buddha is not depicted in human form. Instead, his presence is symbolised by icons such as the Bodhi tree, footprints (Buddhapada), an empty throne, or the wheel of law (Dharmachakra).
• Narrative Panels: The railings feature scenes from the Jataka tales, illustrating moral stories of the Buddha’s previous lives. These serve both decorative and didactic purposes, helping to communicate Buddhist teachings to lay devotees.
• Inscriptions: Many panels include Prakrit inscriptions in early Brahmi script, identifying donors, sculptors, and the subjects of the reliefs. These inscriptions provide important linguistic and historical data about early Indian society and religion.

The art of Bharhut demonstrates the transitional phase between wooden architecture and stone construction, revealing how artisans translated timber techniques into stone carving.

Iconography and Symbolism

The iconography of the Bharhut Stupa reflects the early Buddhist emphasis on symbols rather than anthropomorphic depictions. Key symbols include:

• Bodhi Tree: Symbol of enlightenment and the Buddha’s awakening.
• Dharmachakra (Wheel of Law): Represents the Buddha’s first sermon and the spread of his teachings.
• Stupa Motif: Symbolises the Buddha’s parinirvana (final liberation).
• Footprints (Buddhapada): Indicate the spiritual presence of the Buddha.
• Animals and Guardians: Elephants, lions, and yakshas symbolise strength, protection, and prosperity.

These motifs, combined with narrative carvings, express Buddhist ethical and spiritual concepts through accessible visual language.

Themes Depicted

The Bharhut carvings illustrate a wide variety of Buddhist themes, including:

• Jataka Tales: Stories of the Buddha’s previous lives as Bodhisattvas who practised virtue and self-sacrifice.
• Scenes from the Buddha’s Life: Though not depicted directly, his life events are represented through symbols and settings.
• Devotees and Donors: Figures of worshippers and donors, often named in inscriptions, indicate the widespread patronage of Buddhist art by laypeople and merchants.
• Celestial Beings: Images of yakshas, yakshinis, and other semi-divine beings reveal the integration of local folk deities into Buddhist iconography.

These scenes collectively embody Buddhist values of compassion, renunciation, and moral discipline, serving as visual tools for spiritual education.

Artistic and Cultural Significance

The Bharhut Stupa is of immense significance in the study of Indian art and religion for several reasons:

• It represents one of the earliest surviving examples of narrative relief sculpture in India.
• It provides direct evidence of aniconic Buddhist art, a phase preceding the human depiction of the Buddha seen later at Sanchi and Mathura.
• The inscriptions reveal details about social composition and patronage, showing contributions from various sections of society, including women, monks, and merchants.
• The style of carving reflects a strong regional character, bridging the artistic traditions of central India with those of early Mauryan craftsmanship.

Comparison with Other Buddhist Sites

When compared to later sites such as Sanchi, Amaravati, or Bodh Gaya, the Bharhut sculptures are more linear and rigid, displaying less dynamism but greater narrative clarity. The Sanchi Stupa, built slightly later, shows more sophisticated composition and rounded figures, indicating the evolution of Buddhist art from the Bharhut phase to more mature classical forms.

Preservation and Current Status

Today, the original site of the Bharhut Stupa lies mostly in ruins, with only fragments of the railing and foundation remaining. However, a large collection of its sculptures, railings, and inscriptions are preserved in the Indian Museum, Kolkata, and some artefacts are also displayed at the Archaeological Museum at Bharhut. The site remains protected under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as a monument of national importance.