Question

Express your views on Indian Buddhist sculptures.​

Answer 1

Answer:

Buddhist art is the artistic practices that are influenced by Buddhism. It includes art media which depict Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and other entities; notable Buddhist figures, both historical and mythical; narrative scenes from the lives of all of these; mandalas and other graphic aids to practice; as well as physical objects associated with Buddhist practice, such as vajras, bells, stupas and Buddhist temple architecture.[1] Buddhist art originated on the Indian subcontinent following the historical life of Siddhartha Gautama, 6th to 5th century BCE, and thereafter evolved by contact with other cultures as it spread throughout Asia and the world.

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Answer 2

Answer:

• The most fascinating contribution of Buddhism to India was in the field of Sculptures and architectures. Buddhist art and sculpture developed with the spread of Buddhism. In art and architecture stone was used from Asoka’s time. Numerous stupas, chaityas and pillars were constructed.

• Stupas at Sanchi, Sarnath, Runidei, Bharhut, Dliauli and Jaugad etc. are some specimen of Buddhist art and architecture. A large number of sculptures of Buddha and Bodhisattavas came to be built according to the Gandhara and Mathura school of art. The Buddhists set the example of dedicating cave temples and this practice was followed by the Hindus and Jainas etc

Explanation:

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$\pink{\boxed{Seated \: Buddha, Katra \: Mound, Mathura}}$

• Period: 2nd century AD.

• Buddha with two Boddhisattva attendants. Buddha is seated in Padmasana (cross-folded legs)

• Right hand is in Abhayamudra raised above the shoulder level and left hand is on the left thigh.

• Ushanisha (hair knot) is vertically raised.

• Sculptures of this period from Mathura have light volume and a fleshy body.

• The sanghati (dress) covers only the left shoulder.

• Buddha is seated on a lion throne. He has a large halo which is decorated with geometric motifs. His face is rounded having fleshy cheeks.

• The attendants are identified as the Boddhisattvas Padmapani (holding a lotus) and Vajrapani (holding a thunderbolt).

• Two flying figures diagonally above the halo.

$\pink{ \boxed{Buddha \: Head, Taxila}}$

• Period: 2nd century AD, Kushana Period.

• Taxila in Gandhara region, now in Pakistan.

• The sculpture has Greco-Roman elements. Buddha’s head has Hellenistic elements.

• Thick curly hair with sharp and linear strokes over the head. Big forehead plane, protruding eyeballs, half-closed eyes.

• Face and cheeks are not rotund unlike the images found in other parts of the country.

• Elongated ears and earlobes; Surface is smooth and the outlines are quite sharp.

• Expressive image; shows a remarkably calm expression.

• This style assimilates influences from Parthian, Bactrian and Acamenian traditions with the local style.

${\pink{ \boxed{Seated \: Buddha, Sarnath}}}$

• Period: 5th century AD.

• Fine example of the Sarnath School.

• Made from Chunar sandstone.

• Buddha is seated in Padmasana.

• It represents dhammachackrapravartana which is evident from the figures in the panel below the throne. The panel has a chakra in the centre and a deer on each side. Buddha’s hands are also shown in dhammachackrapravartana mudra placed below the chest.

• Body is slender and slightly elongated. The outlines are delicate and rhythmic.

• The robe clings to the body. Face is round although the cheeks are less rounded as compared to the earlier images from the Kushana period. Lower lip is protruding. Eyes are half-closed.

• Ushanisha has circular curled hairs.

• The back of the throne is richly decorated with carvings of creepers and flowers. The halo is plain.

$\pink{ \boxed{Padmapani \: Boddhisatva, Ajanta}}$

• Located in Ajanta Cave No.1.

• Period: Late 5th century AD.

• Image of a Boddhisattva holding a Padma or lotus.

• Large shouldered with 3 bends in the body creating the impression of a movement.

• Soft modelling, outlines merged with the body creating a 3-D effect.

• Eyes are half-closed and a bit elongated. Nose is straight and sharp. Small chin.

• Adorning a beaded necklace.

• Right hand is holding the lotus and the left hand is extended into space.

• Small figures surround the image.

• Thread over the body is seen with spiral lines.

• Colours used: light red, green, brown and blue.

• Cave No.1 paintings are better preserved.

$\pink{ \boxed{Mara \: Vijaya, Ajanta}}$

• Location: Cave No.26, Ajanta Caves.

• The theme of this sculpture has been portrayed as paintings in the caves but this is the only sculpture.

• Image of Buddha in the centre surrounded by Mara’s army and his daughter.

• Buddha is in padmasana.

• Mara represents desire here. This representation is the personification of the tumult of mind that the Buddha underwent at the time of his enlightenment.

• Buddha’s right hand is shown towards the earth symbolising his generosity.