Mains Daily Question
March 4, 2024
Q3. Highlight the Central Asian and Greco -Bactrian elements in Gandhara art. Explain how it is different from the Mathura art. (10M, 150W)
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Approach to the answer: Understanding and structuring the answer: Write Central Asian and Greco-Bactrian elements in Gandhara Art then write down the difference between Gandhar and Mathura School of Arts. Introduction: Type 1: Give a brief background about Gandhara art. Type 2: Write in brief about the importance of these School of arts. Body: First Write about Central Asian influence then write about Greco-Bactrian influence. After that, highlight the difference between Gandhar and Mathura School of Art. Think about various components of art and elaborate on those. Conclusion: Type 1: Conclude with observation on Mathura and Gandhara school of Arts. Type 2: Contribution of Mathura and Gandhara School of Arts in overall growth of art and architecture in India. |
Answer: Gandhara art is a style of Buddhist art that flourished in the Gandhara region, from the 1st century BCE to the 5th century CE. This art style is known for its unique combination of Central Asian and Greco-Bactrian elements.
Central Asian Influence:
- Saka art: Buddha is depicted with a broad face, almond shaped eyes, and a full beard, which are all features of the Central Asian people.
- Gold and precious metalwork: The Shakas were experts in working with gold and other precious metals. They created intricate jewellery and other decorative items using these materials.
- Realism: The Central Asian style is also evident in the use of thick drapery, which is seen in the folds of the Buddha’s robes and in the clothing of other figures in the artwork.
Greco-Bactrian Influence:
- Hellenistic Features: The Apollo like face of buddha; natural realism; wavy hair as seen in images of buddha in Gandhar resembles to Hellenistic tradition.
- Attention to details: The drape of Buddha Garment recalls the togas of Hellenistic sculpture; the divine figure often acquires humanistic details such as jewelry and a moustache.
- Realism: The Greco-Bactrian influence in Gandhara art is seen in the use of classical motifs such as acanthus leaves, grapevines, and lotus flowers, as well as in the use of perspective and realistic human forms.
- Inspired from Greek figures: Vajrapani shown as Hercules; Buddha shown as Apollo, etc.
- Stucco: Stucco was a popular material for Greco-Bactrian art and was often used for creating relief sculptures on walls and pillars.
Comparison between Gandhara and Mathura School of Arts:
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Areas of differences |
Gandhara School of art |
Mathura School of Art |
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Reign |
Kushans Dynasty |
Kushans Dynasty |
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Outside influences |
Greek and possibly Macedonian influence |
Entirely indigenous - No external influence |
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Religious influence |
Buddhism |
● Hinduism ● Buddhism ● Jainism |
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Material Used |
Bluish- Grey sandstone Grey sandstone |
Spotted red sandstone |
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Features of Buddha sculptures |
● Spiritual Buddha ● Sad Buddha ● Bearded Buddha ● Less ornamentation ● Great detailing ● Buddha in Yogi postures ● Greek factors like wavy hair, large forehead, long ears |
● Smiling Buddha ● Less emphasis on spiritual aspects ● Shaven head and face ● Muscular Physique ● Graceful posture of Buddha ● Seated in Padmasana ● Buddha surrounded by two monks: Padmapani (holding Lotus) and Vajrapani (Holding Vajra) ● Halo around the head of Buddha decorated with geometrical motifs ● The Standing Buddhas of the Sravasti, Sarnath, and Kausambhi |
The Gandhara and Mathura art styles reflect the influence of Greek and Central Asian art on Indian art. The use of realistic human figures, drapery, and naturalism in Indian sculptures; fusion of Greek and Indian iconography can be seen in the depiction of Buddha and Bodhisattvas; use of animal motifs, such as the winged lion, are the result of these influences. Overall, the Greco-Bactrian and Central Asian art had a significant impact on the development of Indian art.
