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Hindu Sculptures of the Kushan Empire |
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If you are interested in art, architecture and sculpture of India, then dont forget to get detailed information about the Hindu Sculptures of the Kushan Empire. Your knowledge of the art and crafts of India will remain incomplete without an idea of the architecture and sculptures of the Kushan Empire.
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After the downfall of the Mauryas, one of the notable empires of ancient India, the prevailing political situation of India encouraged the Kushans, Greeks, Bactrians, Parthians and Sakas to enter into the political scenario of India. Among all these foreign tribes only the Kushans were able to establish a strong empire in India.
The impact of the Kushan rule was felt in all spheres of the Indian society. Art and sculpture did not escape. Hindu art reached a great height during the reign of the Kushans. But the most interesting feature of the ancient Hindu sculptures of the Kushan Empire was that a blend of the Hindu art and culture with that of the foreign dynasties is evident.
The Hindu art and Greeko Roman sculptures intermingled to give birth to a unique art that has remained an object of curiosity till date.
The Hindu Sculptures of the Kushan Empire were found mainly in the two areas, Mathura and Gandhara, one of the ancient kingdoms of India. Hence the specimens of the Kushan empire which was available in these areas came to be known as the Gandhara school of art and Mathura school of art.
Influence of the Greeko Roman art was more strongly felt in Gandhara region which is now in modern Pakistan. The impact was evident in the statues of Lord Buddha. The Kushans particularly Kanishka were the propagators of Buddhism. One of the remarkable features of the statues of Lord Buddha of this time obtained from Gandhara was that they have a resemblance with the statues of the Greek god Apollo.
Besides the statues of Buddha, the stone carvings were also found in these regions. Another work of art that deserves special mention is the carvings from the tales of Jatakas. The Hindu Sculptures of the Kushan Empire became popular as it received patronage from the Kushan rulers.
Mathura school of art also gained much popularity during Kaniska's reign. The Mathura school of art which was patronized by the Kushans was famous for the paintings and carvings of the legends and folklore of India. But the most interesting feature of the Mathura art was the carvings of the figures of women. The carvings were sensuous and at the same time perfect.
Mathura art also excelled in carving of figures of local Gods and Goddesses. Besides, the statues of Yakshas were also found in large numbers. In addition to the local deities Jain deities were also found in ample. Statues of Ayagapattas were not unknown.
There were also instances of some symbolic structures like fishes, jewellery box and flags. The figurines were mainly made of red sandstones. Much later, during the Mughal rule, the great Mughal rulers used these red sandstones to construct the marvelous monuments.
Hindu Sculptures of the Kushan Empire helped the art and sculpture of ancient India to reach the zenith.
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