Gandhara School of Art (UPSC Notes)

The Gandhara School of Art is an important topic in art and culture with respect to ancient Indian history. It is a relevant topic fo the UPSC exam both from the prelims as well as the mains perspectives. In this article, you can read all about the Gandhara School of Art that flourished in parts of ancient India.

Gandhara School of Art

Watch a video lecture on the Gandhara school of art below.

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 along with the influence of other foreign traditions such as from China and Iran resulted in the formation of a distinct style known as the Gandhara School of art. The topic is important for IAS Exam from the perspective of Art & Culture.

This style of art was closely associated with Mahayana Buddhism and hence the main theme of this art was Lord Buddha and Bodhisattvas. Thus, it can be conjectured that in idea and conception this style was Indian and in execution it was foreign. One example of the Gandhara style of art is the Bamiyan Buddha statues.

It mostly flourished in the areas of Afghanistan and present North-Western India. The prominent locations were Taxila, Peshawar, Begram, and Bamiyan. The period around which the Gandhara school of art flourished could be said to be from the 1st century BCE to 4th century CE.

There was extensive use of black stone and stucco. Stucco was a kind of plaster that was used for many structures including the freestanding ones under this style of art. The free-standing structures included many chaityas, Viharas, and stupas.

The striking feature of the Gandhara School of art shows a very realistic and natural depiction of features in perfection. Although it was dominated by the themes of Lord Buddha, however, there were images on other subjects also such as the images of the Greek God Apollo and certain kings as well.

The Greco-Roman effect on Gandhara art can be traced through:

• Halo around the head of Lord Buddha
• Buddha’s wavy hair
• The forehead lines
• Ornaments
• Drape and style of the garments

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.

Read the difference between Gandhara School of Art & Mathura School of Art in the linked article.

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