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Gandhara School of Art Gandhara_school_of_art 3 - Coggle Diagram
Gandhara School of Art
1️⃣ Overview of the Gandhara School of Art
📜 Historical Origins
Flourished 1st century BCE – 5th century CE
Blend of Indian + Greek (Hellenistic) + Roman + Persian styles
Patronage of the Kushan dynasty (King Kanishka)
North‑western India (present‑day Pakistan & Afghanistan)
Emerged after Alexander the Great’s invasion (326 BCE)
🎨 Key Features
Realistic and natural figures
Greek influence in curly hair, drapery, facial expressions
First human representations of Lord Buddha
Use of grey schist stone
⭐ Significance
Influenced later Indian and Central Asian art
Important centre of Buddhist culture and learning
Linked Indian and Western art traditions
Helped spread Buddhism through art
2️⃣ Artistic Features & Architectural Wonders
🏯 Stupas
Religious Buddhist structures
Greek influence in arches and pillars
Decorated with scenes from Buddha’s life
Famous sites: Taxila, Takht‑i‑Bahi
🗿 Sculptures
Buddha shown with calm expression
Carvings of Jataka tales
Curly hair and flowing robes (Greek style)
Bodhisattva figures richly ornamented
🏛️ Pillars
Inspired by Greek and Roman columns
Added strength and beauty to structures
Decorative capitals and carvings
Used in monasteries and stupas
