E. Answer the following questions.
1. Distinguish between Gandhara Art
and Mathura Art.(10 points)
2. Write a short note on the Stupas.(10 point)
3. Describe the paintings of ancient
India.(15 Points
4. Explain the developments of science,
mathematics and medicine in ancient
India (20 Points)
5.Why Gupta Age is known as the Golden period of Ancient India.(15 points)
Answers
Answer:
India has a rich and varied culture as characterized in the later art of the subcontinent, dating from the 14th through the 19th century. Art and culture is an important topic in the UPSC Exam. A substantial number of questions can be asked from the art and culture segment in UPSC Prelims as well as Mains examination. Here we are giving the major difference between Gandhara School of Art and Mathura school of Art.
Gandhara and Mathura School of Art (UPSC Notes):-
GANDHARA SCHOOL OF ARTS
During Kushana rule the Gandhara art prospered in India. Above all, Kanishka, the greatest of the Kushanas was a famous backer of art and architecture. The Gandhara School of art flourished in his reign. Gandhara School was profoundly influenced by Greek methodologies.
The figures of Buddha were more spiritual and carved mainly in grey and bluish-grey color with the finest detailing.
MATHURA SCHOOL OF ARTS
The Mathura School of Art was entirely influenced by Indianism. The stone used in the Mathura school of arts was red sandstone. The sculptures were less spiritual.
They mostly used the spotted red sandstone for making sculptures and statues. The initial images of the Buddha and the Bodhisattva are happy and fleshy figures with little spirituality about them. The Mathura School of arts prided themselves on creating images of Buddha and they also made statues of many gods and goddesses such as Jain Tirthankaras.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GANDHARA AND MATHURA SCHOOL OF ARTS
Areas of differences Gandhara School of art Mathura School of Art
Reign Kushana Dynasty Kushana Dynasty
Area Northwest Frontier Mathura
Outside influences Greek influence
Purely indigenous
No foreign influence
Religious influence Buddhism
Hellenistic realism
Hinduism
Buddhism
Jainism
Secularism
Material Used Bluish- Grey sandstone
Grey sandstone
Spotted red sandstone
Features of Buddha sculptures Spiritual Buddha
Sad Buddha
Bearded Buddha
Less ornamentation
Great detailing
Buddha in Yogi postures
Greek factors like wavy hair, large forehead, long ears
Delighted Buddha
Less spiritual
Shaven head and face
Muscularity
Energetic
Graceful posture of Buddha
Seated in Padmasana
Buddha surrounded by two monks: Padmapani (holding Lotus) and Vajrapani( Holding Vajra)
Halo around the head of Buddha decorated with geometrical motifs
The Standing Buddhas of the Sravasti, Sarnath, and Kausambhi
Sarvatobhadrika image of 4 Jain Jinas
Various Mudras of Buddha in Gandhara Art Abhayamudra- Don’t fear
Bhumisparshamudra -Touching the earth
Dhyana mudra- Meditation
Dharmachakramudra- A preaching mudra
—
Thus learning about the various schools of art is essential as this is an important topic that can be asked in the IAS exam.
Gandhara and Mathura School of Art (UPSC Notes):-
Related Links:
UPSC 2020 Calendar UPSC Books
UPSC 2020
Explanation:
Answer:
1)Here we are giving the major difference between Gandhara School of Art and Mathura school of Art. ... The stone used in the Mathura school of arts was red sandstone. The sculptures were less spiritual. They mostly used the spotted red sandstone for making sculptures and statues.
2)The stupa, an architectural structure usually housing the cremated remains or possessions of important saintly figures, is considered to be the structural emblem and the most important type of monument of Buddhism. Most stupas have a very distinctive semi-spherical shape, often surrounded by a fence.
3)Indian art groups different artistic expressions created in the Indian subcontinent. The earliest form was rock art, including petroglyphs, and later, cave paintings. Sculpture was first created by the Indus valley civilization.
4)Ancient India's contribution to science and technology include: Mathematics Vedic literature is replete with concepts of zero, the techniques of algebra and In some instances, astronomical principles were borrowed to explain matters, pertaining to In ancient India Medical Science supposedly made many advances.
5)This period became known as the Golden Age of India because it was marked by extensive inventions and discoveries in science, technology, engineering, art, dialectic, literature, logic, mathematics, astronomy, religion, and philosophy.
Explanation: