UPSC Notes: Gandhara, Mathura, and Amaravati Schools

Gandhara, Mathura, and Amravati Schools: In the post-Mauryan period , the Gandhara, Mathura, and Amaravati schools emerged as significant centers for Buddhist art in India. While the Buddhist element was common to all three schools, they differed in various aspects such as the use of stone.

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Gandhara School of Art

• Base Material: Gandhara Art originally used metamorphic rock and grey sandstone for sculptures. Later, artists shifted to stucco, which is easy to shape, and the sculptures were often painted and covered in gold.
• Greco-Roman Influence: The most distinctive feature of Gandhara art is its Greco-Roman style. The figures of Buddha and Bodhisattvas resemble the Greek god Apollo, with curly hair, draped garments, and muscular physiques.
• Realism: The Gandhara School uses high relief to show realistic scenes from Buddha's life, making the figures look lifelike. In Gandhara art, sculptures have highly detailed facial features, intricate folds in the clothing, and a sense of naturalism.
• Buddha Iconography : The Gandhara School is credited with introducing the anthropomorphic image of Buddha. The Buddha in Gandhara art is depicted in seated and standing postures, often with a calm, meditative expression and a halo behind the head, symbolizing divinity.

Mathura School of Art

• Indian Elements: The Mathura School is deeply rooted in Indian traditions. The sculptures from this school depict other Indian religions such as Brahmanism and Jainism apart from Buddhism. The Mathura style evolved with a native spirit, emphasizing cultural elements unique to India.
• Red Sandstone : Most sculptures from Mathura were carved out of red sandstone, giving them a distinctive appearance. The smooth, rounded features, often radiating a sense of peace and inner calm, are hallmarks of Mathura art.
• Naturalistic Features : Mathura art favors naturalistic rather than strictly realistic features, drawing inspiration from the ideal yogi type, such as the lotus feet and meditative gaze.
• Buddha Representation: Buddha figures in Mathura art are generally more idealistic, focusing on divine aspects with a simple drape over the body, naturalistic hair, and a serene smile.

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Amravati School of Art

• White Limestone : Unlike the red sandstone of Mathura, Amaravati artists used white limestone, which gave their sculptures a delicate, refined look, often creating an illusion of marble.
• Narrative Reliefs: Amaravati art is known for its narrative relief panels that depict scenes from Buddha's life or Jataka tales, such as his birth, enlightenment, and death. These sculptures are notable for their detailed, animated style, full of life and movement.
• Graceful Depictions: Amaravati sculptures are recognized for their elegance, with dancers, musicians, and animals frequently depicted in fluid, graceful motions.
• Complex Symbolism: Similar to other schools, Amaravati embraced Buddhist themes, often using symbolism, such as the lotus flower, chakras, and stupas, which held deep spiritual meanings.

Differences Between Gandhara Mathura and Amaravati Schools