Gandhara sculpture owed as much to the Romans as to the Greeks. Explain. [UPSC- 2014]
OR
Highlight the Central Asian and Greco Bactrian elements in the Gandhara art. [UPSC- 2019]
Ans:
Gandhara School of art had developed in post-Maurya period during reign of Kushana emperor Kanishka. Both Shakas and Kushanas were patrons of Gandhara School. ©crackingcivilservices.com
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Though subject matter is predominantly Buddhist, yet many sculptural motifs shows Greco-Roman influence.
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Greek influence:
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The mother of Buddha resembles with Athenian matron.
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Many early Buddha has Apollonian faces.
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Greek gods are depicted paying obeisance to Buddha.
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Other Greek influences:
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Artistic beauty
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Halo around Buddha
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masculine Buddha
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Natural realism
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Broad forehead, and long earlobe of Buddha.
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Curly or wave hair of Buddha and also depiction of very thick hair
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Mustache and beard of Buddha
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A heavy forms of body and depiction of muscles
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Roman influence:
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Dresses of many Buddha’s images are arranged in the style Roman Toga.
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Deeply delineated folds of robes of Buddha.
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Artistic interpretations like Roman motifs (triton)
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Anthropomorphic tradition
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Other Greeko-Roman influences:
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Facial features of Buddha reflect Greeco-Roman influence like:
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Protruding eyeballs
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elongated eyes,
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half closed eyes,
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elongated face and sharp nose,
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Many ordinary people shown in various scenes also bear the imprint of distinct Greeco-Roman style.
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Though many features of Gandhara art were influenced by foreign elements, it also developed unique features with indigenous influence. ©crackingcivilservices.com
