The Kadambas had their capital at Vaijayanti or Banavasi in north Kanara district in the state of Karnataka. The Kadambas were contemporaries of the Pallavas. They claimed to be Brahmanas. The Kadamba dynasty was founded by Mayurasharman.
During the reign of Dhruva (c. 780 – 793 CE), the Rashtrakuta kingdom expanded into an empire that encompassed all of the territory between the Kaveri River and Central India. He led successful expeditions to Kannauj and defeated the King Nagabhatta II. He also defeated the Palas of Bengal (Dharmapala).
Ashoka was a patron of Buddhism therefore he used many symbols that are relevant in Buddhism as motifs in the Ashokan pillar. According to Buddhist tradition, Buddha entered his mother’s womb in the form of a white elephant.
The Gandhara School of art was developed in first century AD along with Mathura School during reign of Kushana emperor Kanishka. Both Shakas and Kushanas were patrons of Gandhara School, which is known for the first sculptural representations of the Buddha in human form.
The sculptures pertaining to the period of c. 300 – 600 CE shows the introduction of new styles in the temple architecture. The inspiration for the themes for the sculpture was drawn from Hindu, Buddhist, and Jaina traditions.
EXAMIANS