POST MAURYAN SCULPTURES



Published on 15 Sep 2025

The post-Mauryan sculpture marks a significant shift in the artistic expression of ancient India, characterized by a fusion of indigenous and foreign influences. The art forms of Gandhara, Mathura, and Amaravati emerged as prominent centres, each with its distinctive style.


Criteria

Gandhara Sculpture

Mathura Sculpture

Amaravati Sculpture

Style

Greco-Roman Influence

Indigenous Indian Style

Narrative Storytelling

Area of development

Developed in the North-West Frontier, in the modern-day area of Kandahar.

Developed in and around Mathura, Sonkh and Kankalitila. Kankalitila was famous for Jain sculptures.

Developed in the Krishna-Godavari lower valley, in and around Amravati,

Material

Gray Schist Stone

Red Sandstone

White Marble

Subject Matter

Buddha and Buddhist Themes

Buddha, Hindu Deities, Jainism related Themes

Buddhist Narratives and Jataka Tales

Drapery

Flowing and Heavy, Greek Influence

Simple and Naturalistic

Elaborate and Fluid, Emphasizing Movement

Facial Features

Idealized, Greek Facial Characteristics

Naturalistic, Serene and Expressive

Tranquil, Minimalist

Influence

Hellenistic, Roman

Indigenous Indian Traditions and Mythology

Buddhist Artistic Traditions and Storytelling Themes

Patronage

Kushana Rulers

Kushana Rulers

Satavahana Rulers

Features of Buddha sculpture

Spiritual Buddha

Sad Buddha

Bearded Buddha

Less ornamentation

Great detailing

Buddha in Yogi postures

Greek factors like wavy hair, a large forehead, and long ears.

Delighted Buddha

Less spiritual

Shaven head and face

Muscularity

Energetic

The graceful posture of Buddha

Seated in Padmasana


Symbolic representation of Buddha’s life

Lives of Buddha in both human and animal forms.


Example

Bamyan Buddha of Afghanistan

Maholi Bodhisattva and seated Kubera

Buddha taming the wild elephant


Foreign Elements in Gandhara Art

  • Greek influence

    • Idealized Figures: The depiction of idealized human forms with well-proportioned bodies and serene expressions draws inspiration from Greek classical art.

    • Vajrapani: Vajrapani found in the right hand of the future Buddha is told as a transformed symbol of Hercules who is seen as the protector of Buddha.

    • Greek architectural influence: Some images of Buddha in Gandhara are presented in the Greek architectural environment bearing the affinity of Corinthian.

    • Artistic beauty: The Apollo-like face of Buddha; natural realism; wavy hair as seen in images of Buddha in Gandhara resembles Hellenistic tradition.

    • Intellectual affinity: The hello and bun of Gandhara Buddha signify intellectual imbibitions of Buddha from Greek.

    • Nude Sculptures: The depiction of nude male figures in Gandhara art, especially in representations of gods and heroes, is reminiscent of the Greek tradition of idealizing the male form and emphasizing physical beauty.

  • Roman influence

    • Contrapposto: The use of the contrapposto pose, where the weight is shifted onto one leg, creating a more natural and dynamic stance.

    • Drapery Style: The intricate and flowing drapery, with deep folds and layered garments, is reminiscent of Roman sculptural techniques.

    • Portraiture: The realistic depiction of facial features and the emphasis on individuality in portraits reflects the Roman tradition of portraiture.

    • Laurel Wreaths: In some depictions, figures are portrayed wearing laurel wreaths on their heads, which was a Roman symbol of victory, honour, and authority.

Tags:
History & Culture

Keywords:
POST MAURYAN SCULPTURES SCULPTURES post mauryan period Gandhara Mathura Amaravati Greco-Roman Kankalitila Kandahar Gray Schist Stone Red Sandstone white marble Hellenistic Kushana satavahana Delighted Buddha Spiritual Buddha Padmasana Bamyan Buddha Maholi Bodhisattva Foreign Elements in Gandhara Art Vajrapani Contrapposto Drapery Style Portraiture Laurel Wreaths

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 1

Topics:
Art and Architecture

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