Maurya and Shunga Art c16.31

c16.31

Fig. 29. Bodhgaya (Gaya, Bihar). Rail-post. Man helping young girl climb a tree. Inspite of the flowing linear movement that is apparent, and the dynamic character of the theme, the figure itself lacks the emotional touch. Technically in advance of Barhut, it has yet a heaviness of form which is heightened by ‘the manner in which the forms are spread out in space.’ An urban sophistication and a conscious coquettish elegance are much too evident, but more significant aesthetically is the advanced conception of the human figure. This has been possible due to a clearer appreciation of the three dimensional value and of organic and intergrated understanding of human figuration. C. 50 B. C. Photo : Bachhofer.