Q1. Assess the role of Gandhara and Mathura schools in developing Buddhist sculpture in India.

Ans. During the Kushana reign, the Gandhara and Mathura Schools of Sculpture flourished.

• Emperor Kanishka, who promoted Mahayana Buddhism, played a key role in introducing the Buddha’s image, previously worshipped in symbolic form within stupas.
• Under Kanishka and his successors, Gandhara and Mathura Schools of Sculptures emerged as prominent centres of distinct sculptural art styles.

Contribution of Gandhara School:

• Extremely Fine and Realistic Sculptures –
  The Gandhara School of sculpture, known for its Greco-Buddhist art, is characterized by highly realistic and finely crafted sculptures.
  • Buddha and Bodhisattva figures exhibit sophisticated iconography in an advanced style, making Gandhara sculptures among the earliest representations of the Buddha.
• Feature of Buddha sculptures –
  Buddha is shown in a spiritual state, with wavy hair, seated in a Yogic posture.
  • The most important trait of Gandhara sculpture is found in the depiction of Lord Buddha in the standing or seated positions.
  • The physical features such as muscles, nails, and hair have been done with great detail.
• Area of Development –
  It developed in the North-West frontier, modern-day Kandahar.
  • Kanishka introduced Buddha images in his empire which were made in Gandhara with heavy Greco-Roman influence.
• Relief –
  In the art of the Gandhara School the high relief technique is given importance.
  • The story and events of Buddha’s life were carved in high relief.

Contribution of Mathura School:

• Nature of School –
  Mathura school developed the indigenous style of sculptures of Buddha, contrary to the Gandhara School of Sculptures.
  • It evolved with native spirit and elements.
• Features of Sculptures –
  The spirit of Mathura sculpture displays the peaceful atmosphere. The features are naturalistic rather than realistic.
  • Buddha is shown in a delighted mood, with a smiling face.
  • Buddha is seated in Padmasana, with different mudras.
  • The Indian elements derived from the ideal yogi type, namely the lotus feet and the meditative gaze.
• Relief –
  In the Mathura School of Art, the relief is higher compared to the Gandhara School of Sculpture.
• Area of Development –
  It developed in and around Mathura, Sonkh and Kankalitika.
  • The workshop of Mathura exported several Buddhist images to various places, such as Sarnath and even as far as Rajgir in Bihar.

The Gandhara and Mathura Schools of Sculpture flourished, each making distinct contributions to the artistic depiction of Buddhism. It contributed to the cultural and artistic diversity of ancient India, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to influence art and sculpture to this day.

Q.2 Write about the features of the Basholi School of Painting and explain how it laid the foundation for the Pahari School of Painting in Himachal Pradesh.

Ans. Basoli School of Paintings was the oldest school of painting in the hilly region.

• Under Raja Kirpal Pal, Basholi developed a distinctive and magnificent style.

Features of Basholi School:

• Synthesis of mythology and traditional folk art – that gave unconventional appeal to Basholi paintings.
• Use of bright and bold colours – like red, yellow, and blue on the borders.
• Distinguish facial features – a prominent nose and lotus-shaped eyes.
• Female figures – are categorized into three types according to their attire.
• Influence of Mughal and Rajput art – Dressing styles of both males and females resemble clothes worn in Mughal or Rajput courts.
• Depiction of flora – was also a noticeable aspect of the Basholi style.

Spread of Basholi Kalam to the other Hill States:

• Kangra Kalam –
  A new style of painting came into vogue from the 1690s to the 1730s, which was referred to as the Guler–Kangra phase.
  • Artists during this period indulged in experimentation and improvisations that finally resulted and moulded into the Kangra style.
• Impact on Arki School –
  The Basholi School of Painting exercised influence over Arki Kalam too.
  • During the reigns of Rana Mehar Chand (1727–43) and Rana Bhup Chand (1743–78), the Arki School adopted the rugged Basholi style of painting.
• Origin of Chamba School of Painting –
  The early painting of the Chamba was also in rugged Basholi style.
  • Later, it was influenced by Kangra Kalam.

In conclusion, the Basohli School of Paintings, the oldest in the hilly region, profoundly impacted the art styles of various hill states. Its spread and evolution highlight the rich and interconnected heritage of hill state paintings.

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