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Solution: Daily Problem Practice for 2022 History Optional [Ancient India: Day 18]

Solution: Daily Problem Practice for 2022 History Optional [Ancient India: Day 18]

Q. “Gandhara school of art represents Greek-Roman influence.” Comment. [10 Marks] 

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.

  • Though subject matter is predominantly Buddhist, yet many sculptural motifs shows Greco-Roman influence.
  • Greek influence:
    • The mother of Buddha resembles with Athenian matron.
    • Many early Buddha has Apollonian faces.
    • Greek gods are depicted paying obeisance to Buddha.
    • Other Greek influences:
      • Artistic beauty
      • Halo around Buddha
      • masculine Buddha
      • Natural realism
      • Broad forehead, and long earlobe of Buddha.
      • Curly or wave hair of Buddha and also depiction of very thick hair
      • Mustache and beard of Buddha
      • A heavy forms of body and depiction of muscles
  • Roman influence:
    • Dresses of many Buddha’s images are arranged in the style Roman Toga.
    • Deeply delineated folds of robes of Buddha.
    • Artistic interpretations like Roman motifs (triton)
    • Anthropomorphic tradition
  • Other Greeko-Roman influences:
    • Facial features of Buddha reflect Greeco-Roman influence like:
      • Protruding eyeballs
      • elongated eyes,
      • half closed eyes,
      • elongated face and sharp nose,
    • Many ordinary people shown in various scenes also bear the imprint of distinct Greeco-Roman style.

Though many features of Gandhara art were influenced by foreign elements, it also developed unique features with indigenous influence. ©selfstudyhistory.com

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