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The Realistic Style of Gandhara School of Art

Learn about the Gandhara school of art, a comprehensive talk about how the Gandhara school of art shaped the history of Indian art.

Introduction

Gandhara School of Art is a term used to describe a style of painting and sculpture that originated in the Gandhara region in modern-day Afghanistan and Pakistan. The term was first used in the early 20th century and is still used today to describe a range of Buddhist art that flourished in the region during the 5th to 8th centuries. 

Characterised by its naturalistic and realistic style, the Gandhara School of Art is famed for its depictions of both secular and religious scenes.

What Is The Gandhara School Of Art?

The Gandhara School of Art was a Buddhist art movement that flourished in the part of the world that is now modern-day Pakistan and Afghanistan. The school gets its name from the Gandhara region, where much of the art was created. 

The Gandhara school of Art started sometime in the 1st century CE and continued to produce art until about the 12th century CE. The art of the Gandhara School of Art is characterised by its unique style, which fused elements of Indian, Greek, and Roman art.

Where Is Gandhara?

Gandhara is an ancient region located in modern-day Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Gandhara school of art flourished from the 1st to 5th centuries CE and was known for its unique style which combined Greco-Roman, Persian and Indian elements.

The Gandhara School Of Art Was An Ancient Style Of Art

The Gandhara School of Art is an ancient style of art that originated in the northwest region of India, in the Taxila Valley. The school flourished from the 1st to the 5th century CE and was heavily influenced by the classical art of Greece and Rome. 

You can see the influence of Greco-Roman art in the realistic depictions of figures and the use of perspective in the paintings and sculptures from this period.

What Is The Mathura School Of Art?

The Mathura school of art is the oldest school of Indian art and is named after the city of Mathura, where it is believed to have originated. The art of the Mathura school is characterised by its realism and the use of secular subjects, as opposed to the religious subjects which predominated in the other schools of Indian art. 

The Mathura school reached its peak in the 2nd century AD, after which it declined.

What Is Buddha Gandhara?

The Buddha Gandhara School of Art is a style of Buddhist art that originated in the area of Gandhara (present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan). This school is named after the city of Gandhara, which was a major centre for Buddhism during the period. 

The Gandhara School of Art is characterised by its unique blend of Indian, Greek, and Roman styles. This art style reached its peak between the 1st and 3rd centuries CE and was especially popular among the Kushan Empire.

What Are The Main Characteristics Of The Gandhara School Of Art?

The Gandhara School of Art was a unique blending of Indian, Greek, and Roman art styles. The main characteristics of the Gandhara School of Art are the realistic depictions of humans and animals, as well as the use of colour. 

This school of art was highly influential in the development of art in the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. 

This Style Of Art Was Prevalent During The Kushan Empire

The Gandhara School of Art was prevalent during the Kushan Empire, which was a dynasty that ruled from the 1st to 3rd centuries AD. 

This unique style of art is characterised by its use of Hellenistic and Indian elements and is often considered to be a synthesis of the two styles. The resulting art is incredibly expressive and often features incredibly realistic depictions of people and animals. 

If you’re interested in checking out some examples of Gandhara art, we recommend looking at the works of Sir John Marshall, an English archaeologist who did extensive work in the region.

Conclusion

The Gandhara School of Art flourished in the region near present-day Afghanistan and Pakistan from the first to fifth centuries AD. It was strongly influenced by Greco-Roman art, which was in turn introduced to the region by Roman traders and soldiers. 

The Gandhara School of Art is known for its realistic portrayals of people and animals, as well as its ornate decorative elements. Its art can be seen in museums and archaeological sites throughout the region.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the Railway Examination Preparation.

What is the theme of the Gandhara school of art?

Ans. This art movement is fascinating because it is a mix of Greek, Indian and Persian styles. The resulting style ...Read full

Which substance is utilised in the Gandhara school of art?

Ans: The material most commonly used in the Gandhara school of art is stucco, which is a type of plaster made from l...Read full

Who is the Patron of Gandhara art?

Ans. The Patron of Gandhara art is Emperor Ashoka. He was a great patron of Buddhist art and culture and is credite...Read full

What is the reason behind the rise of the Gandhara school of art?

Ans. The Gandhara school of art was born in the western part of the Indian subcontinent, in an area that is now par...Read full

What is the main difference between Gandhara and Mathura schools?

Ans. The key difference between the Mathura and Gandhara schools is that the latter was more influenced by the Gree...Read full