Question

Study the given image of Buddha from the first century CE and identify the ancient school of Indian art of this from the following

• A. Gandhara
• B. Amravati
• C. Sarth
• D. Mathura

Hint:

To easily distinguish Kushan-era Buddha styles: - Mathura School: Spotted red sandstone, thin body-hugging dhoti/robe, indigenous facial features, right shoulder often bare. - Gandhara School: Grey schist/stucco, heavy thick robes with deep Roman-style folds, idealized Greek facial features (Apollo-like).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: During the Kushan period around the first century CE, Indian sculpture saw a major evolution with the emergence of anthropomorphic depictions of the Buddha. This shift was driven by two distinct art styles: the Gandhara school and the Mathura school.

Step 2: Alyzing the visual characteristics of the sculpture in image
Let us examine the specific iconographic markers shown in the sculpture:
• The Buddha is depicted with a robust, muscular torso, dressed in a thin, translucent drapery that clings tightly to the body, leaving the right shoulder completely bare.
• The right hand is raised in the Abhaya Mudra (gesture of fearlessness), while the left hand rests near the waist holding the hem of the robe.
• He features a round face with indigenous Indian features and a prominent top-knot hair structure (*ushnisha*).
• The sculpture is carved out of the distinctive spotted red sandstone tive to the region around Mathura. These elements are classic features of early standing Buddha figures from the Mathura School of Art produced during the Kushan era. This distinguishes it from the Gandhara style, which displays heavier, Greco-Roman style pleated drapery covering both shoulders. Consequently, Option (D) is the correct answer.