HPAS/Allied Mains 2022 Answer Writing Challenge Day 267: Model Answer

November 25, 2022

HPAS/Allied Mains 2022 Answer Writing Challenge Day 267: Model Answer

Question: What is the difference between Gandhara School and the Mathura School of Art? (8 marks)

Answer:

During the Kushana Empire’s rule, the Gandhara art prospered in India. Above all, Kanishka, the greatest of the Kushanas was a famous backer of art and architecture. The Gandhara School of art flourished in his reign. Gandhara School was profoundly influenced by Greek methodologies.

The Mathura School of Art was entirely influenced by Indianism. The stone used in the Mathura school of arts was red sandstone. The sculptures were less spiritual.

Areas of differences	Gandhara School of art	Mathura School of Art
Reign	Kushana Dynasty	Kushana Dynasty
Area	Gandhara (Now located in the Peshawar Valley of Modern-day Pakistan)	Mathura
Outside influences	Greek and possibly Macedonian influence	Entirely indigenous No external influence
Religious influence	Buddhism	Hinduism Buddhism Jainism
Material Used	Bluish- Grey sandstone Grey sandstone	Spotted red sandstone
Features of Buddha sculptures	Spiritual Buddha Sad Buddha Bearded Buddha Less ornamentation Great detailing Buddha in Yogi postures Greek factors like wavy hair, large forehead, long ears	Smiling Buddha Less emphasis on spiritual aspects Shaven head and face Muscular Physique Graceful posture of Buddha Seated in Padmasana Buddha surrounded by two monks: Padmapani (holding Lotus) and Vajrapani( Holding Vajra) Halo around the head of Buddha decorated with geometrical motifs The Standing Buddhas of the Sravasti, Sarnath, and Kausambhi
Various Mudras of Buddha in Gandhara Art	Abhayamudra- Don’t fear Bhumisparshamudra -Touching the earth Dhyana mudra- Meditation Dharmachakramudra- A preaching mudra

General Studies Paper 1