|
|
| |
| Home » Hindu Sculptures of the Satavahana Empire » Gandhara School of Art |
| |
Gandhara School of Art |
|
|
The art, architecture and sculpture of India have always remained an object of interest not only among the art lovers of India but also among the historians worldwide. The Gandhara School of Art is one of the ancient schools of art in India that deserves special mention while talking about the art and architecture of the country.
|
If you are interested in the art and sculpture of India then begin your search from the Indus Valley Civilization. You will find some excellent specimens of art and architecture during this age. In later stages especially during the reign of the ancient Indian dynasties the art and sculptures of India reached to a certain height. Though the sculptures of the country reached its zenith during the Mughal era. But the sculptures of ancient India were no less important.
All the ancient dynasties of India namely the Mauryas, the Guptas, the Kushanas and the Satavanhanas excelled in the art and sculptures.The sculptures of all of these ancient dynasties had certain characteristic features of their own which later on came to be known a specific school of art.
For example the pillars and the stupas were the marked features of the Mauryan sculptures. Similarly the Amravati sculptures, the Nagarjunakonda sculptures, Kanehri sculptures and Karle sculptures are the special features of the Hindu sculpture of the Satavahanas.
While the Mauryan dynasty was on the verge of disintegration taking the opportunity of the internal chaos and confusion large number of foreigners pour in from outside. The Greeks, the Sakas, the Kushanas and the Bactrians were the most prominent of them. They stayed in India for afew years but it was only the Kushanas who were establish a mighty empire in India.
But whether their reign was short lived or prolonged they left enough influence on the lifestyle of Indians as well as their art and sculptures. The art and sculptures received great patronage from the Kushans especially Kanishka. The sculptures of Kushans were mainly concentrated in the areas like to Mathura and Gandhara. The art and architecture which spread in Gandhara region was known as the Gandhara School of Art.
The impact of Greek art was felt in the Gandhara school of art. The artists and sculptors were greatly influenced by the Greek Roman art. The influence was mpre strongly felt in the statues of Buddha. The Kushans were the patrons of Buddhism. The statue of Buddha was constructed in mode of Apollo, the Greek God.
Besides the statue of Buddha, the stone carvings of men and women also bear resemblance with the Greeko Roman art. The stories of Jatakas were also inscribed and the influence of the Hellenistic art was evident here also.
While talking about the Kushan art and sculptures what comes to our mind instantly is the Gandhara School of Art. The Gandhara School of Art helped the ancient art and sculptures of India to attain great height.
So if you want more information on the art and sculptures of India try to gain more knowledge on the Gandhara School of Art.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
