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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