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Q. “Gandhara and Mathura schools of art represent two distinct yet interconnected artistic traditions of ancient India”. How did these schools contribute to the evolution of Indian sculptural art? (150 words)
17 Mar, 2025 GS Paper 1 Indian Heritage & CultureApproach
- Introduce the answer by briefing about Gandhara and Mathura schools of art
- Give Key Differences in Gandhara and Mathura Schools of Art in table format
- Highlight their Contribution to Indian Sculptural Art
- Conclude suitably.
Introduction
The Gandhara and Mathura schools of art were two prominent sculptural traditions that flourished in ancient India between the 1st century BCE and the 5th century CE. While both were deeply influenced by Buddhism, they evolved in distinct cultural and geographical contexts.
Body
Comparison of Gandhara and Mathura Schools of Art:
Feature Gandhara School of Art Mathura School of Art Location Northwest India (Taxila, Peshawar, Bamiyan) Mathura, Uttar Pradesh Period 1st century BCE to 4th century CE 1st century BCE to 5th century CE Cultural Influence Strong Greco-Roman and Persian influence Purely indigenous Indian tradition Material Used Grey sandstone, bluish-grey schist, stucco Red-spotted sandstone Religious Influence Primarily Buddhism (Mahayana) Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism Depiction of Buddha Realistic, Hellenistic style – wavy hair, forehead lines, well-defined musculature Iconic Indian style – broad shoulders, smiling expression, seated in Padmasana Contribution of Gandhara and Mathura Schools to Indian Sculptural Art
- Gandhara School of Art
- Introduction of Buddha’s Iconic Form: Before Gandhara art, Buddha was depicted using symbols (e.g., footprints, Bodhi tree).
- Gandhara sculptors created the first human-like representation of Buddha.
- Fusion of Indian and Greco-Roman Styles: The realistic portrayal of the human figure, draped garments, and deep carving techniques were borrowed from Greek and Roman styles.
- Features like the halo, wavy hair, muscular body, and detailed drapery became defining elements.
- Refinement of Stupa and Monastery Architecture: Gandhara art contributed to the development of stupas and rock-cut monasteries, influencing Buddhist architecture in India and beyond.
- Notable examples: Bamiyan Buddha (Afghanistan), Taxila sculptures.
- Spread of Buddhist Art to Central Asia and China: The Gandhara style was crucial in transmitting Buddhist art along the Silk Route, influencing Chinese, Japanese, and Central Asian Buddhist sculptures.
- Introduction of Buddha’s Iconic Form: Before Gandhara art, Buddha was depicted using symbols (e.g., footprints, Bodhi tree).
- Mathura School of Art
- Indigenous Development of Indian Sculptural Traditions: Unlike Gandhara, Mathura art was purely Indian in origin and style.
- It laid the foundation for Indian temple architecture and Hindu iconography.
- Humanized Depiction of Deities: The Mathura school introduced sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses like Vishnu, Shiva, and Yakshas.
- It was also instrumental in developing Jain sculptures.
- Bold and Energetic Forms: The figures had broad shoulders, strong torsos, and powerful expressions, reflecting a spiritual yet energetic presence.
- The "delighted Buddha" in Mathura art emphasized divine joy over the serene or sad expressions of Gandhara art.
- Influence on Later Indian Art: The Gupta period (4th–6th century CE) refined Mathura art, leading to the classical style that influenced later Chola, Pallava, and Rajput sculptures.
- Notable examples: Sarnath Buddha, Katra Keshav Dev Temple sculptures.
- Indigenous Development of Indian Sculptural Traditions: Unlike Gandhara, Mathura art was purely Indian in origin and style.
Conclusion
Gandhara art brought a realistic and external influence, while Mathura art shaped an indigenous and symbolic aesthetic. Together, they played a crucial role in shaping Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain iconography, leaving a lasting impact on Indian and global art traditions.
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