Difference between Gandhara and Mathura school of art
The Gandhara and Mathura schools of art were two major schools of Indian art that flourished between the 2nd century BCE and the 7th century CE. Both schools were influenced by the art of the Greco-Roman world, but they developed in different ways and produced distinctive styles.
The Gandhara school was located in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent, in what is now Pakistan and Afghanistan. It was founded by the Indo-Greeks, a group of Greeks who invaded India in the 2nd century BCE. The Gandharan artists combined Greek and Indian artistic traditions to create a unique style of art. Their sculptures are characterized by their realistic portrayal of human figures, their use of drapery, and their depiction of Greco-Roman gods and goddesses.
The Mathura school was located in the central part of the Indian subcontinent, in what is now Uttar Pradesh. It was founded by the Kushans, a group of Central Asian nomads who invaded India in the 1st century CE. The Mathuran artists combined Indian and Kushan artistic traditions to create a unique style of art. Their sculptures are characterized by their bold and expressive style, their use of heavy jewelry, and their depiction of Hindu and Buddhist deities.
The Gandhara and Mathura schools of art were both important in the development of Indian art. They influenced later schools of Indian art, such as the Gupta school, and they continue to be admired today for their beauty and artistry.
- Geographical location
- Religious influence
- Artistic style
- Materials used
- Depiction of the Buddha
- Mathura Art
Flourishing in ancient India, the Gandhara and Mathura schools of art, though sharing a timeline, offer distinct artistic expressions. Let’s delve into the key differences that set them apart.
.Geographic Divide:
The Gandhara school thrived in the northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent, encompassing parts of present-day Afghanistan and Pakistan. This proximity to Hellenistic centers of influence shaped its artistic character. In contrast, the Mathura school blossomed in Mathura, a city situated in Uttar Pradesh, India.
.Divine Inspiration:
Religion played a crucial role in the artistic narratives of both schools. Gandhara art drew inspiration primarily from BuddhismBuddhism, while Mathura catered to a more diverse audience, embracing HinduismHinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
Artistic Nuances:
The artistic styles of Gandhara and Mathura reveal their unique identities. Gandhara art exhibits a strong Hellenistic influence, evident in the realistic portrayal of figures, flowing drapery, and the use of Greek artistic techniques. Mathura art, on the other hand, leans towards a more stylized and idealized representation, showcasing a distinct Indian artistic vocabulary.
Material Matters:
The materials used by these schools further highlight their differences. Gandhara artists primarily employed bluish-grey and grey sandstone for their sculptures. Mathura, in contrast, favored the use of spotted red sandstone, a material readily available in its region.
FAQS
What are the main differences between the Gandhara and Mathura schools of art?
The main differences between the Gandhara and Mathura schools of art are their style, subject matter, and location. The Gandhara school was influenced by Greek art, while the Mathura school was influenced by Indian art. The Gandhara school produced sculptures of Greco-Roman gods and goddesses, while the Mathura school produced sculptures of Hindu and Buddhist deities. The Gandhara school was located in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent, while the Mathura school was located in the central part of the Indian subcontinent.
What are some examples of Gandharan art?
Some examples of Gandharan art include the Standing Buddha from Hadda, the Head of the Buddha from Gandhara, and the Bodhisattva Maitreya from Gandhara.
What are some examples of Mathuran art?
Some examples of Mathuran art include the Standing Buddha from Mathura, the Head of the Buddha from Mathura, and the Vishnu from Mathura.
What is the significance of the Gandhara and Mathura schools of art?
The Gandhara and Mathura schools of art were both important in the development of Indian art. They influenced later schools of Indian art, such as the Gupta school, and they continue to be admired today for their beauty and artistry.
Where can I see examples of Gandharan and Mathuran art?
Examples of Gandharan and Mathuran art can be seen in museums around the world, including the British Museum, the Louvre Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Location, Location, Location! Where did these artistic styles develop?
Gandhara: Flourished in the northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent (present-day Afghanistan and Pakistan).
Mathura: Thrived in Mathura, a city in Uttar Pradesh, India.
Following the Divine: What religions influenced these art forms?
Gandhara: Primarily Buddhist influences.
Mathura: Catered to a more diverse audience (Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism).
Building Blocks: What materials did the artists use?
Gandhara: Primarily used bluish-grey and grey sandstone for sculptures.
Mathura: Favored the use of spotted red sandstone, readily available in the region.
The Central Figure: How did they depict the Buddha?
Gandhara: More human-like Buddha figures, inspired by Greek representations.
Mathura: Idealized and serene Buddhas, often in yogic postures.
MCQs
Which of the following is not a characteristic of Gandharan art?
- (A) Realistic portrayal of human figures
- (B) Use of drapery
- (CC) Depiction of Greco-Roman gods and goddesses
- (D) Bold and expressive style
Which of the following is not a characteristic of Mathuran art?
- (A) Heavy jewelry
- (B) Depiction of Hindu and Buddhist deities
- (C) Realistic portrayal of human figures
- (D) Use of drapery
The Gandhara school was located in which part of the Indian subcontinent?
- (A) Northwest
- (B) Central
- (C) East
- (D) South
The Mathura school was located in which part of the Indian subcontinent?
- (A) Northwest
- (B) Central
- (C) East
- (D) South
Which of the following is not a difference between the Gandhara and Mathura schools of art?
- (A) Style
- (B) Subject matter
- (C) Location
- (D) All of the above
Which school of art was known for its Hellenistic influences and lifelike depictions of figures?
- a) Gandhara School
- b) Mathura School
- c) Gupta School
- d) Deccan School
If you encountered a sculpture of the Buddha made from spotted red sandstone, it would most likely belong to which school?
- a) Gandhara School
- b) Mathura School
- c) Amaravati School
- d) Chola School
A region encompassing parts of present-day Afghanistan and Pakistan is more likely to be associated with the art of which school?
- a) Gandhara School
- b) Mathura School
- c) Pala School
- d) Rajput School
When comparing depictions of the Buddha, the Mathura school is known for favoring a more _____ style, while the Gandhara school is known for a more _____ style.
- a) abstract, realistic
- b) idealized, human-like
- c) narrative, symbolic
- d) decorative, functional
Which school of art catered primarily to a Buddhist audience?
- a) Gandhara School
- b) Mathura School
- c) Both Gandhara and Mathura
- d) Neither Gandhara nor Mathura