Gandhara school of art
The Gandhara school of art was a blend of Indian, Greek, and Roman elements that emerged
in the northwest region of present-day Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan during the period of the
Kushan Empire (1st-5th century CE).
Here are some of the characteristics of the Gandhara school of art:
1. Fusion of Indian and Greco-Roman styles: The Gandhara school combined elements of Indian
art with the classical styles of Greece and Rome.
2. Greek influence on sculpture: The Greek influence is most evident in the use of drapery and
the depiction of the human form, which is reminiscent of classical art.
3. Depiction of Buddha: The Gandhara school provided an innovative depiction of Buddha, who
was presented with Greek-inspired physical features such as wavy hair and a wavy beard.
4. Use of grey-blue schist: The art made during the Gandhara school period was largely made
from grey-blue schist, which gave the artwork a distinctive texture.
5. Depiction of Bodhisattvas: The depiction of Bodhisattvas, the Buddhist figures that show
compassion and offer salvation to the suffering, is another notable feature of the Gandhara
school of art.
6. Depiction of stories from Buddhist texts: The art depicted stories from Buddhist texts, such
as the Jataka tales, which illustrated Buddha's previous lives.
7. Dramatic expression: The Gandhara style often presented dramatic expressions that
emphasized the emotional intensity of the scene.
Overall, the Gandhara school evolved into a distinctive style that reflected the cultural exchange
between India, Greece, and Rome during a time of great artistic development in the region.
Mathura School
The Mathura school of art flourished during the Kushan Empire (1st -3rd century AD) in the
ancient city of Mathura, which is now located in Uttar Pradesh, India.
Features
Here are some of the key characteristics of the Mathura school of art:
1. Humanistic approach: The Mathura school of art placed a strong emphasis on the
representation of the human form, particularly in the depiction of the Buddha and other
important figures in Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
2. Naturalism: The sculptures of the Mathura school are known for their naturalism and
realism, with a focus on depicting the human figure with great attention to detail, including
the musculature, facial expressions, and clothing.
3. Iconography and symbolism: The Mathura school of art incorporated a range of iconography
and symbolism into its sculptures, often using specific gestures or poses (known as mudras)
to convey spiritual or philosophical concepts.
4. Local influences: The art of the Mathura school was heavily influenced by local Indian
traditions, including those of the Gandharan, Gupta, and Mauryan periods.
5. Use of stone and terracotta: The Mathura school of art primarily used stone and terracotta as
its mediums, producing a range of sculptures, relief carvings, and other decorative objects.
6. Narrative style: The sculptures of the Mathura school often depicted scenes from the lives of
religious figures, such as the Buddha or the Hindu gods, in a narrative style that emphasized
storytelling and emotional expression.
Greek influences on Gandhara School of art
1. Greek god as protector: In many images of Buddha in Gandhara; he is seen under the
protection of Greek god Hercules.
2. Vajrapani: Vajrapani found in the right hand of future Buddha is told as a transformed
symbol of Hercules who is seen as the protector of Buddha.
3. Greek architectural influence: Some images of Buddha in Gandhara are presented in the
Greek architectural environment bearing the affinity of Corinthian.
4. Artistic beauty: The Apollo-like face of Buddha; natural realism; wavy hair as seen in images
of Buddha in Gandhara resembles Hellenistic tradition.
5. Intellectual affinity: The hello and bun of Gandhara Buddha signify intellectual imbibitions of
Buddha from Greek.
6. Despite the fact that Gandharan sculpture's iconography was predominantly Indian, it also
included elements and methods from Classical Roman art.
7. Vine scrolls, cherubs with garlands, tritons, and centaurs are examples of Classical Roman art
found in Gandharan sculptures.
8. Additionally, the Gandharan artists drew on the Roman religion's anthropomorphic
traditions.
9. Gandharan art depictions of Buddha are evocative of statues of a youthful Apollo.
10. The drapery on Buddha's garments was also eerily similar to that on Roman imperial
monuments.
Difference between Mathura and Gandhara school of art
1. Area: The Gandhara school of art mostly flourished in areas of Afghanistan and present
North-west India whereas Mathura school of art developed and flourished in Mathura and
areas of Uttar Pradesh.
2. Time period: The Gandhara school of art flourished from first century BC to fifth century AD
whereas the Mathura school of art originated in the first century BC and flourished till
twelfth century AD.
3. External influence: Gandhara school of art was influenced by Greek and possibly
Macedonians whereas Mathura school of art was purely indigenous with no external
influence.
4. Religious influence: Gandhara school of art was influenced by Buddhism while Mathura
school of art was Influenced by Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
5. Material used: Gandhara school of art used bluish Grey and grey sandstone whereas
Mathura school of art used spotted red sandstone.
6. Expression: The expression of calmness is the centre point of attraction of Gandhara Buddha
whereas Mathura Buddha is delighted in mood, seated in Padmasana and right hand in
Abhyamudra and left hand on left thigh showing masculinity.
7. Halo: The Halo around the head of Buddha was not decorated generally in Gandhara school
of art while it was largely decorated in Mathura school of art.
Gandhara school of art
Gandhara school of art was one of the major schools of art in the history of ancient India.
Although being an intricate part of Indian history, it is uniquely associated with the Greco-Roman
style of art. The combination of these Greco-Roman and Indian ideas resulted in the formation of a
distinct style of art known as the Gandhara School of art.
The period around which the Gandhara school of art flourished could be said to be from the
1st century BCE to 4th century CE. It flourished in the northern part of India mostly in the areas of
Afghanistan and present North-Western India. The Shakas and the Kushanas were patrons of
Gandhara School.
Features
1. Style: The Gandhara school combined elements of Indian art with the classical styles of
Greece and Rome.
2. Theme: This style of art was closely associated with Mahayana Buddhism and hence the
main theme of this art was Lord Buddha and Bodhisattvas.
3. Areas: It mostly flourished in the areas of Afghanistan and present North-Western India. The
prominent locations were Taxila, Peshawar, Begram, and Bamiyan.
4. Time: It flourished from the 1st to 4th Century CE.
5. Material: There was extensive use of black stone and stucco with green phyllite and grey-
blue mica schist.
6. Realistic and natural: Gandhara School of art shows a very realistic and natural depiction of
features in perfection.
7. Greek influence on sculpture: The Greek influence is most evident in the use of drapery and
the depiction of the human form, which is reminiscent of classical art.
8. Depiction of Buddha: The Buddha was represented in the style of the Greek god Apollo with
Greek-inspired physical features such as wavy hair and a wavy beard.
9. Depiction of stories from Buddhist texts: The art depicted stories from Buddhist texts, such
as the Jataka tales, which illustrated Buddha's previous lives.
10. Feature of Sculpture: The most important trait of Gandhara sculpture is found in the
depiction of Lord Buddha in the standing or seated positions.
Thus, Gandhara School of Art can be said as an influence and culmination of both the Indian
as well as foreign traditions due to its strategic location.
