Question

A new form of art emerged in India during the Kushana period. It is known as _____________.
(A) Greek art
(B) Painting
(C) Gandhara school of art
(D) None of these

Answer 1

Hint: The Kushanas are one of the five branches of the Yuezhi tribe, who lived along the Chinese border or in Central Asia. In the first century AD, they advanced eastward into India, defeating the Parthians and Sakas. Three different art schools flourished throughout this time: one in northwest India, the Amaravati School in Andhra Pradesh, and the Mathura School in the Ganges valley. One among these schools were even named after the required art form.

Complete answer:
Under the patronage of the Kushana kings, many towers, Chaityas, cities, and beautiful sculptures were created. To begin with, the Kushanas were foreign invaders, but their ways and culture were totally Indianized.

During the Kushan era, a new type of art emerged in India, influenced by Greek sculpture. It's known as the Gandhara School of Art. Three different art schools flourished throughout this time: Gandhara school at the northwestern part of India, then in Andhra Pradesh there was Amaravati School, and the Ganges valley had Mathura School.

Now let us look into the given options:
Option (A) Greek art is incorrect; since here the artistic new form was initially influenced by the already existing Greek form of art. So (A) can be omitted.
Then option (B) Painting is incorrect; since it came long before any other form of art.
Followed by option (C) Gandhara school of art; is correct since it emerged in the context of the fusion of these Greco-Roman and Ethnic ideas, as well as the impact of other foreign styles such as those from Iran or China. The key theme of this artwork was Lord Buddha, as it was strongly connected with Mahayana Buddhism.
Then option (D) None of the above is an incorrect option since one among the previous options is right.

Therefore the correct answer is option (C) Gandhara school of art.

Note: The Kushanas contributed significantly to India's prosperity by assisting Mahayana Buddhism's expansion across Central Asia. They also aided India's exchange with Central Asia by gaining control of the 'Silk Route,' the most significant trading route. India and China, as well as India and the Roman Empire, prospered in trade. The Kushana era in Indian history is said to have been a perfect predecessor to the Guptas' golden age.