Question

Kanishka was a great patron of architecture and sculpture. Throw light on the statement, citing suitable examples.

Answer 1

Instructions: The answer to this question should have the following points:

• Stupas and sculptures constructed under Kaniska’s reign
• Emergence of the art schools of Gandhara and Mathura under his rule

Solution: Kanishka was indeed a patron of art, architecture and sculpture. He built various stupas, the most famous among which is the stupa in Purushapura (present-day Peshawar). He also constructed Kanishkapura.

Kanishka also invited artists from different countries, which led to the emergence of the two art schools of ‘Gandhara’ and ‘Mathura’. In Mathura, we also find a stone statue of Kanishka, with a missing head, and with Kaniska’s name etched at the pedestal.