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The Kushana period witnessed a remarkable development in art, sculpture and architecture. The Gandhara school of art and Sculpture marked a happy blending of the Graceo-Romano-Buddhist style and techniques. The distinguishing features of the Gandhara Sculpture owed their origin to Greek and Roman styles yet the art essentially was Indian in spirit. The Gandhara artists had the hand of a Greek but the heart of an India.
The most remarkable contribution of the Gandhara School of art is to be seen in the evolution of the image of Buddha, perhaps in imitation of the Greek God Apollo. Images of Buddha and Bodhisatva illustrating the past and present lives of Buddha were executed in black stone. The figures show an excellent idea of human anatomy that swayed the artists.
These works of art offer a striking contrast to similar art that we witness elsewhere in India. The smooth round features of the idealised human figures, draped in transparent and semi-transparent cloth closely fitting to the body and revealing its outline were due to the influence of the Hellenistic art of Asia Minor and the Roman Empire.
The images of Buddha pertaining to the Gandhara school centres of which were Gandhara, Jalalabad, Hadda and Baniyan in Afghanistan, Peshawar and Swat Valley, were more animated and anatomically perfect than those found in other parts of India. While the former are more beautiful physically and accurate in anatomical details as such more realistic, the Indian art and sculpture which produced the images of Buddha were more idealistic giving a spiritual and sublime expression to the images.
The technique of the Gandhara School of art of the Kushana period spread through China to the Far East and influenced the art of China and Japan. The Gandhara art, according to V. A. Smith, was based on the cosmopolitan art of the Asia Minor and the Roman Empire.
There were also purely Indian schools of art in India during the period of the Kushanas. There were the schools of art at Amaravati, Jagayyapeta and Nagarjunikonda. In the Amaravati human figures are characterised by slim, blithe features and have been represented in most difficult poses and curves. The technique of art reached a high standard of development. Plants and flowers, particularly lotuses, have been represented in the most perfect, lifelike manner.
Two Chaityas and a Stupa discovered at Nagarjunikonda are the relics of the indigenous school of art and show a high standard of development. The limestone panel of figures depicting the nativity of Buddha is an excellent piece of sculpture of the Kushana period which was entirely indigenous.
Architecture of the Kushana period was not so remarkable as the sculpture of the period. There were beautiful temples, monasteries, Stupas which indicate considerable development during the period although the technique of architecture did not attain the standard of excellence of sculpture. The famous tower of Kanishka at Purushapura (Peshawar) was one of the wonders of the world. Much of the architectural specimens of the period perished with time.
Caves hewn in solid rock with pillars and sculptures, hundreds of which have been found in different parts of the Kushana Empire show a great improvement upon the technique of excavation that was in use during the time of Asoka. A Chaitya with rows of columns on two sides was a fine work of art of sculpture and architecture. The Chaitya at Karle is an excellent illustration.
Fa-Hien who visited India during the rule of Chandragupta II {5th century) was struck with wonder to find a large number of Stupas, dagobas (small stupa), Chaityas and images of Buddha carved out of stone during the Kushana period.
There has been a sharp difference of opinion about the celebrity, and the extent of influence of the Gandhara art upon the Indian art during the reign of the Kushanas. Modern scholars think that the Gandhara School of sculpture has attained a celebrity perhaps beyond its merits.
According to some European scholars, the Gandhara School of art was the only school in Ancient India which can claim a place in the domain of art. There are others who are of the opinion that the source of subsequent development of Indian art as well as of the Far East was the Gandhara School of art which developed as a result of a happy blending of the Graco-Romano-Buddhist art.
But despite the foreign influence upon the school of Gandhara art, scholars like Havell, Will Durant, R. C. Majumdar and others are of the opinion that the influence, Hellenistic and Roman, upon the Indian art which was the Gandhara School of art was technical but spirit and the subject matter of the art was purely Indian.
- D. Banerjee’s view that the Gandhara art influenced the Indian art for nearly five centuries to follow is untenable on the ground that there were indigenous schools of art at Ainaravati, Nagarjunkonda, etc. where there was no influence of Gandhara School of art. The influence of the Gandhara art failed to penetrate into the interior of India and had no influence on the later development of the Indian, art. But the Gandhara School of art achieved a grand success in. becoming the parent of the Buddhist art of Eastern and Chinese Turkestan, Mongolia, China, Korea and Japan.
Literature:
The Kushana period witnessed a remarkable development of literature and Sanskrit language. Under the patronage enjoyed by the scholars and Buddhist philosophers of the time a massive development in secular and religious literature took place. A large number of standard works in Sanskrit language were written during the period.
Asvaghosha’s Buddhacharita, Saudarananda Kavya, Vajrasuchi, Sariputta Prakarana, Vasumitra’s Mahabibhasa—regarded as the Buddhist encyclopaedia, Nagarjuna’s Madhyamika-Sutra in which the theory of relativity was propounded, Charaka’s work on medicine, etc. contributed to the fund of human knowledge. Under the Kushanas the royal court became a seat of luminaries mentioned above as also of the Political Scientist Mathara, Greek engineer Agesilaus, etc.,
The Kushan Empire was a major power in Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent from the 1st to the 4th centuries CE. The Kushans were a nomadic people from Central Asia who conquered much of the region, including the Gandhara region in what is now Pakistan and Afghanistan, and the Mathura region in what is now India.
The Kushans were patrons of the arts, and their empire saw a flowering of art, sculpture, and architecture. Gandharan art, which developed in the Kushan Empire, is a fusion of Indian and Hellenistic art styles. It is characterized by its use of Greco-Roman techniques and motifs, such as the use of perspective and the depiction of human figures in the nude, combined with Indian themes and motifs, such as the depiction of Buddha and other Buddhist figures.
Mathura art, which also developed in the Kushan Empire, is a more indigenous style of art. It is characterized by its use of Indian techniques and motifs, such as the use of flat relief and the depiction of human figures in a stylized manner.
Greco-Buddhist art is a style of art that developed in the Kushan Empire as a result of the interaction between Greek and Buddhist cultures. It is characterized by its use of Greco-Roman techniques and motifs, such as the use of perspective and the depiction of human figures in the nude, combined with Buddhist themes and motifs, such as the depiction of Buddha and other Buddhist figures.
Indo-Scythian art is a style of art that developed in the Kushan Empire as a result of the interaction between Scythian and Indian cultures. It is characterized by its use of Scythian techniques and motifs, such as the use of animal motifs and the depiction of human figures in a realistic manner, combined with Indian themes and motifs, such as the depiction of Buddha and other Buddhist figures.
Kushan architecture is characterized by its use of brick and stone, its massive scale, and its elaborate decoration. Kushan buildings often have a central courtyard surrounded by rooms and halls. The walls of Kushan buildings are often decorated with relief sculptures depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology.
Gandharan architecture is a style of architecture that developed in the Kushan Empire in the Gandhara region. It is characterized by its use of Greco-Roman techniques and motifs, such as the use of columns and arches, combined with Indian themes and motifs, such as the use of stupas and temples.
Mathura architecture is a style of architecture that developed in the Kushan Empire in the Mathura region. It is characterized by its use of Indian techniques and motifs, such as the use of flat roofs and the use of columns, combined with Kushan themes and motifs, such as the use of massive scale and elaborate decoration.
Greco-Buddhist architecture is a style of architecture that developed in the Kushan Empire as a result of the interaction between Greek and Buddhist cultures. It is characterized by its use of Greco-Roman techniques and motifs, such as the use of columns and arches, combined with Buddhist themes and motifs, such as the use of stupas and temples.
Indo-Scythian architecture is a style of architecture that developed in the Kushan Empire as a result of the interaction between Scythian and Indian cultures. It is characterized by its use of Scythian techniques and motifs, such as the use of animal motifs and the depiction of human figures in a realistic manner, combined with Indian themes and motifs, such as the use of stupas and temples.
The Kushan Empire was a major center of art, sculpture, and architecture. The art and architecture of the Kushan Empire is a fusion of Indian, Hellenistic, Scythian, and other cultures. It is a rich and diverse body of work that reflects the cosmopolitan nature of the Kushan Empire.
What is the Kushan Empire?
The Kushan Empire was an empire that ruled over much of Central Asia and parts of India from the 1st to the 3rd centuries CE. It was founded by Kujula Kadphises, a Kushan prince who conquered the region of Bactria in the early 1st century CE. The Kushan Empire reached its peak under the reign of Kanishka the Great, who ruled from around 127 to 150 CE. Kanishka was a great patron of the arts and sciences, and his reign saw a flowering of culture in the Kushan Empire. The Kushan Empire declined in the 3rd century CE, and was eventually overthrown by the Sassanid Empire.
What was the Kushan Empire known for?
The Kushan Empire was known for its military power, its wealth, and its culture. The Kushans were skilled warriors, and their empire was one of the largest and most powerful in the world at the time. The Kushans were also very wealthy, and their empire was a major center of trade. The Kushans were also patrons of the arts, and their empire produced some of the finest works of art in the ancient world.
What are some of the achievements of the Kushan Empire?
The Kushan Empire achieved many things during its time. They were able to conquer a large territory, and they were able to maintain their empire for over 200 years. They were also able to create a strong and stable government, and they were able to promote Trade and Commerce. The Kushan Empire also made significant contributions to art, architecture, and literature.
What are some of the challenges faced by the Kushan Empire?
The Kushan Empire faced many challenges during its time. One of the biggest challenges was the threat from other empires, such as the Roman Empire and the Sassanid Empire. The Kushan Empire also faced challenges from within, such as rebellions and civil wars. Despite these challenges, the Kushan Empire was able to survive for over 200 years.
What was the legacy of the Kushan Empire?
The Kushan Empire left a lasting legacy on the world. Their empire was one of the largest and most powerful in the world at the time, and their culture had a profound impact on the cultures of Central Asia and India. The Kushans also made significant contributions to art, architecture, and literature. Their legacy can still be seen today in the many monuments and artifacts that they left behind.
Question 1
The Kushan Empire was a major power in Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent from the 1st to the 3rd centuries CE. The empire was founded by Kujula Kadphises, who conquered much of the former Greco-Bactrian kingdom. The Kushans were a nomadic people from Central Asia, and they brought with them their own unique culture and art.
One of the most famous Kushan rulers was Kanishka, who reigned from 127 to 150 CE. Kanishka was a great patron of the arts, and he commissioned many beautiful works of sculpture and architecture. He also converted to Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism, and he helped to spread the religion throughout his empire.
The Kushan Empire eventually declined in the 3rd century CE, but its legacy can still be seen in the art and architecture of the region.
Which of the following is NOT true about the Kushan Empire?
(A) The Kushan Empire was founded by Kujula Kadphises.
(B) The Kushan Empire was a major power in Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
(C) The Kushan Empire was founded by a nomadic people from Central Asia.
(D) The Kushan Empire was a Buddhist empire.
(E) The Kushan Empire declined in the 3rd century CE.
Question 2
The Kushan Empire was a major center of art and culture. Kushan artists produced a wide variety of works, including sculptures, paintings, and coins. Kushan art is characterized by its use of bright colors, its intricate designs, and its depiction of both human and animal figures.
One of the most famous Kushan sculptures is the Buddha of Bamiyan, which is located in Afghanistan. The Buddha of Bamiyan is a colossal statue of the Buddha that was carved into the side of a cliff. The statue is over 50 meters tall and is one of the largest statues of the Buddha in the world.
Another famous example of Kushan art is the Gandharan art style, which developed in the region of Gandhara (modern-day Pakistan and Afghanistan). Gandharan art is characterized by its use of Greco-Roman artistic techniques and its depiction of Buddhist themes.
The Kushan Empire was a major center of art and culture, and its legacy can still be seen in the art and architecture of the region.
Which of the following is NOT true about Kushan art?
(A) Kushan art is characterized by its use of bright colors.
(B) Kushan art is characterized by its intricate designs.
(C) Kushan art depicts both human and animal figures.
(D) The Buddha of Bamiyan is a famous example of Kushan art.
(E) Gandharan art is a style of Kushan art that developed in the region of Gandhara.
Question 3
The Kushan Empire was a major center of architecture. Kushan architects built a wide variety of structures, including palaces, temples, and stupas. Kushan architecture is characterized by its use of brick and stone, its intricate designs, and its large scale.
One of the most famous Kushan buildings is the Great Stupa at Sanchi, which is located in India. The Great Stupa at Sanchi is a Buddhist stupa that was built in the 2nd century BCE. The stupa is over 40 meters in diameter and is one of the largest stupas in the world.
Another famous example of Kushan architecture is the Palace of the Kushans at Taxila, which is located in Pakistan. The Palace of the Kushans is a large palace complex that was built in the 1st century CE. The palace complex is over 100 hectares in size and is one of the largest palace complexes in the world.
The Kushan Empire was a major center of architecture, and its legacy can still be seen in the architecture of the region.
Which of the following is NOT true about Kushan architecture?
(A) Kushan architecture is characterized by its use of brick and stone.
(B) Kushan architecture is characterized by its intricate designs.
(C) Kushan architecture is characterized by its large scale.
(D) The Great Stupa at Sanchi is a famous example of Kushan architecture.
(E) The Palace of the Kushans at Taxila is a famous example of Kushan architecture.