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

Gandhara sculpture owed as much to the Romans as to the Greeks. Explain. (UPSC GS1 Mains)

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.

Topics Covered - Indo-Greeks, Buddhism & Jainism