GS1 PYQ (Mains Answer Writing): Gandhara Art-Indo-Greek Art | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Q1: Highlight the central Asian and Greco-Bactrian elements in the Gandhara art. (UPSC GS1 Mains)
Answer: 
Introduction
Gandhara School of art was the epitome of Cultural Revolution in present day’s west Pakistan and east Afghanistan during Kushan rule, of which Gandhara sculpture was an important part, depicting sculpture of Buddha.
How geographical location of Gandhara art facilitated interaction of various artistic components: 

• Geographical position of the region was at the crossroads of cultural exchange which resulted into interaction of artistic components. 
• This area witnessed the advent of number of foreign powers and political configuration ranging from the Greek, Bactrian to Kushanas. Thus Gandhara style was amalgam of Hellenistic-Roman, Iranian and indigenous art. 
• The central Asian and Greco-Bactrian elements in the Gandhara art. 

Greek Influence: 

• It can be observed in the form of Buddha’s wavy hair, draperies covering both shoulders. Footwear, Buddha has been shown under the protection of Greek God Herakles standing with his club and so on. In fact, the very concept of man-God is attributed to the Greeks. The Buddha’s mythological statue can also be related to Greeks. 
• Some examples of Gandhara art depict both Buddha and the Greek God Herakles from Greek Mythology. Stucco plaster, which was commonly observed in Greek art, was widely used in Gandhara artwork for the decoration of monastic and cult buildings. 

Roman influence: 

• It is evident from the sculpture of Gautama Buddha, with a youthful Apollo-like face,dressed in garments resembling the scenes on Roman imperial statues. 
• Gandhara sculpture incorporated many motifs and techniques from classical Roman art too, as seen from vine scrolls, cherubs bearing garlands, tritons and centaurs. 
• Additionally, the Gandhara art drew from the anthropomorphic traditions of Roman religions. The realistic sculpture of Buddha is also associated with Romans.

Central Asian influence: 

• In Gandhâran art, specific types of Buddhist cult structures were elaborately constructed. 
• Paintings, bas-reliefs and sculpture richly decorated secular and especially cult buildings. 
• Columns, pilasters (mainly derived from the Corinthian order) and other architectural elements usually had magnificent plastic arrangement. 
• Temples built in the area influenced by Gandhâran art normally included central square structures with circumambulatory corridors (Haa, Swât, and Miran). The idea of circumambulatory corridors was undoubtedly of Iranian origin, since fire temples with such corridors appear in Iran from the Achaemenid time. 
• The Buddhist architects of Central Asia, where Buddhist shrines with circumambulatory corridors continued to be built down to the 7th–8th century accepted this pattern. 
• Schemes for the ground plans of monasteries display many varieties. 
• When the space was limited, ‘glued’ plans could be applied, combining two or three isolated parts with different functions: the sacred one (temple) with a large stupa in the middle; living quarters with monks’ cells and a prayer-hall, etc. 
• This architectural pattern was widespread in Central Asia both in the Kushan period (as in Fayâý-tepe) and later (as in Ajina-tepa). 

Conclusion 

The above influences can be well justified because of strategic location of Gandhara school. Thus in this regard it can be claimed that the art that flourished in the Gandhara valleys was a blend of different cultures. 

Q2: Gandhara sculpture owed as much to the Romans as to the Greeks. Explain. (UPSC GS1 Mains)
Answer:
The Gandhara art is influenced buy Greek and Roman culture mainly because of the strategic location of Gandhara School. The region was on the crossroads of many cultural influences as it was in the vicinity of ancient Silk route.
Gandhara art is of Greek or Roman origin combined with Indian artistic traditions.

The Greek influence

• The Greek influence in Gandhara sculpture is is observed in the form of Buddha's Wavy hair,  Draperies covering both Shoulders, footwear and Buddha under the projection of Greek God Herakles. 
• The very concept of Man-God is attributed to Greeks. -Stucco plaster which was commonly observed in Greek art was widely used in Gandhara artwork for decoration of monastic and Cult building. 
• As evident from the Buddha with a youthful apologize face dressed in garments resembling the scenes on Roman Imperial statues, Gandhara sculpture Incorporated many motifs and techniques from classical Roman art. 
• The Gandhara art Drew from the anthropomorphic traditions of Roman religion. 
• Budha dressed in garments resembling those seen on Roman Imperial statues the realistic culture of Buddha is associated with Romans. 
• The Roman style at Gandhara consists of relief panels adorning the wall surface around the exteriors of the shrines. The similarity of a standing Buddha found at Mardan to Roman Emperor statues is one of the most famous and frequently cited examples of Roman element at Gandhara. 
• Thus, Gandhara school of art showing the influence of Greeko-Roman tradition was the epitome of cultural revolution in present day's West Pakistan and East Afghanistan during Kushan rule.

Q3: Mathura school was a great centre of art and sculptures during the early historic period. How did it differ from the Gandhara school? (UPSC GS 1 Mains)
Answer: 
Introduction
The first century CE onwards, Gandhara (now in Pakistan) and Mathura in northern India emerged as important centres of art production. Buddha in the symbolic form got a human form in Mathura and Gandhara. The sculptural tradition in Gandhara had the confluence of Bactria, Parthia and the local Gandhara tradition.
The local sculptural tradition at Mathura became so strong that the tradition spread to other parts of northern India. The best example in this regard is the stupa sculptures found at Sanghol in the Punjab. The Buddha image at Mathura is modelled on the lines of earlier Yaksha images whereas in Gandhara it has Hellenistic features.

Body

• Difference between Mathura and Gandhara school of art 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. 
• 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. 
• 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. Religious influence: Gandhara school of art was influenced by Buddhism while Mathura school of art was Influenced by Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Material used: Gandhara school of art used bluish Grey and grey sandstone whereas Mathura school of art used spotted red sandstone. 
• 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. 
• 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. Conclusion The other two famous schools were Amaravati School and Sarnath School of art. 
• All these art schools were mostly inspired by religion and have left behind a rich heritage. The Art of India constitutes a unique chapter in the history of human endeavour. It unveils the deepest recesses of the human mind and offers a mirror to the Indian soul. The spiritual and religious dimensions of India’s creative genius has found full and perfect expression in the myriad aesthetic creations.