
Satavahana sculptures remained aniconic till their rule in the 2nd century. Primarily the Satavahana style of art and sculpture was dominated by Buddhism. But even in the most detailed sculptures Gautama Buddha was not represented in a human form. This was a significant feature of the Satavahana sculptures.
Various schools of sculptures flourished under the patronage of the Satavahana rulers. The
Amravati School of sculpture came to the forefront as one of the most popular styles of Buddhist art. The sculptures here show some of the traces of the influence of the Gandhara Amaravati stupaand the Mathura schools to some extent. The erotic sculptures are less in numbers but can be marked with their presence. The images were characterized by vigour, activity and grace.
The
features of Satavahana Sculptures are also found in the sculpture of Nagarjunakonda. At Nagarjunakonda the sculptural tradition of Amaravati seems to continue. Here too the Buddhist themes dominate the entire picture of artistic creations. Episodes from
Gautama Buddha`s life have been transferred on stone. But the outstanding example of the sculpture of that ages and art of Satavahanas is the depiction of the Enlightened Buddha.

The
sculpture of Karle chaitya is another example of the magnificence of the Satavahana architecture. The hall is more than 124 feet long, 46 feet broad and 46 feet high. It also marked with construction of the
garbhagriha, the
pradakshinapatha and the
mandapa. Here, along with the doorway, even the elegant chaitya window, encompassing the woodwork of sculptures has remained till today.
Sculpture of Kanehri has also been modeled on the particular style in which other Satavahana sculptures have been carved out.
The famous sculptures at
Ajanta Caves also reflect the features of Satavahana art and architecture. The glory of the Satavahanas is, thus, rightly reflected in the tradition of art and architecture. In fact in many famous places in
Andhra Pradesh like Goli, Jaggayapeta, Ghantasala, Bhattiprolu, Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda the remains of Satavahana sculptures have been discovered.
(Last Updated on : 06/04/2012)