In the Gandhara School of Art, initially blue schist and green phyllit

In the Gandhara School of Art, initially blue schist and green phyllite were used. When did stucco completely replace stone as main material used by Gandhara School sculptors?

1st century CE

2nd century CE

3rd century CE

5th century CE

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UPSC CDS-2 – 2020

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The use of stucco in Gandhara art significantly increased over time, gradually replacing stone as the primary medium.

Initially, the Gandhara School primarily used blue schist and green phyllite. Stucco, being more malleable and cheaper, became popular later, allowing for finer details and faster production. Its complete dominance as the main material is typically placed around the 3rd century CE.

Stucco (a mixture of lime plaster, sand, and water) was applied over a clay or mud core. It was particularly suited for representing drapery and facial expressions. While stucco began appearing earlier, its widespread use leading to the decline of stone carving marks a distinct phase in Gandhara art. This shift coincided with the Kushan period and continued into later centuries.

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