Gandhara school of art was the epitome of the Cultural Revolution in present-day’s west Pakistan and east Afghanistan during Kushana’s rule, of which Gandhara sculpture was an important part, which depicts a sculpture of Buddha.
How the geographical location of Gandhara art facilitated the interaction of various artistic components:
- The geographical position of the region was at the crossroads of cultural exchange, which resulted in the interaction of artistic components.
- This area witnessed the advent of a number of foreign powers and political configurations ranging from the Greek, and Bactrian to Kushanas. Thus, the Gandhara style was an amalgam of Hellenistic-Roman, Iranian and indigenous art.
The central Asian and Greco-Bactrian elements in Gandhara art:
Greek Influence
- It can be observed in the form of Buddha’s wavy hair, draperies covering both shoulders, footwear, Buddha shown under the protection of the Greek God Herakles standing with his club, and so on. In fact, the very concept of man-God is attributed to the Greeks. The Buddha’s mythological statue can also be related to the Greeks.
- Some examples of Gandhara art depict both Buddha and the Greek God Herakles from Greek Mythology. Stucco plaster, which was commonly observed in Greek art, was widely used in Gandhara artwork for the decoration of monastic and cult buildings.
Roman influence
- It is evident from the sculpture of Gautama Buddha, with a youthful Apollo-like face, dressed in garments resembling the scenes of Roman imperial statues.
- Gandhara sculpture incorporated many motifs and techniques from classical Roman art too, as seen in the vine scrolls, cherubs bearing garlands, tritons, and centaurs.
- Additionally, Gandhara art drew from the anthropomorphic traditions of Roman religions. The realistic sculpture of Buddha is also associated with Romans.
Central Asian influence
- In Gandhara art, specific types of Buddhist cult structures were elaborately constructed.
- Paintings, bas-reliefs, and sculptures richly decorated secular and especially cult buildings.
- Columns, plasters (mainly derived from the Corinthian order) and other architectural elements usually had a magnificent plastic arrangement.
- Temples built in the area influenced by Gandhara art normally included central square structures with circumambulatory corridors (Haa, Swat, and Miran). The idea of circumambulatory corridors was undoubtedly of Iranian origin since fire temples with such corridors appear in Iran from the Achaemenid time.
- Schemes for the ground plans of monasteries display many varieties. When the space was limited, ‘glued’ plans could be applied, combining two or three isolated parts with different functions: the sacred one (temple) with a large stupa in the middle; living quarters with monks’ cells and a prayer hall, etc.
- This architectural pattern was widespread in Central Asia both in the Kushana period (as in Fayay-tepe) and later (as in Ajina-tepa).
Conclusion: The above influences can be well-justified because of the strategic location of Gandhara school. Thus, in this regard, it can be claimed that the art that flourished in the Gandhara valleys was a blend of different cultures.
MCQ
What is the Gandhara school of art?
a) The art school that flourished in present-day West Pakistan and East Afghanistan during the Kushana period.
b) The art school that flourished in ancient Greece.
c) The art school that flourished in ancient Rome.
d) The art school that flourished in ancient Egypt.
Answer: a) The art school flourished in present-day West Pakistan and East Afghanistan during the Kushana period.
How did the geographical location of Gandhara art facilitate the interaction of various artistic components?
a) By being situated in the middle of a desert.
b) By being situated at the crossroads of cultural exchange.
c) By being situated in a remote location.
d) By being situated in the mountains.
Answer: b) By being situated at the crossroads of cultural exchange.
What are the three main artistic influences on Gandhara art?
a) Greek, Roman, and Central Asian.
b) Egyptian, Roman, and Indian.
c) Chinese, Persian, and Greek.
d) Indian, Chinese, and Persian.
Answer: a) Greek, Roman, and Central Asian.
What is an example of Greek influence on Gandhara art?
a) Vine scrolls.
b) Circumambulatory corridors.
c) The depiction of Buddha under the protection of the Greek God Herakles.
d) Plasters derived from the Corinthian order.
Answer: c) The depiction of Buddha under the protection of the Greek God Herakles.
What is an example of Roman influence on Gandhara art?
a) The depiction of Buddha with a youthful Apollo-like face.
b) The use of stucco plaster for the decoration of monastic and cult buildings.
c) Cherubs bearing garlands.
d) All of the above.
Answer: d) All of the above.