Question

The Gandhara School of Art developed during the reign of_____
A) Kushanas
B) Guptas
C) Mauryas
D) Mughals

Answer 1

Hint:
Gandhara school of art was one of the major schools of art in the history of ancient India.

Complete step by step solution:
The Gandhara School of Art was developed during the reign of Kushanas. It was an intricate part of the Indian history and it is uniquely associated with the Greco- Roman style of Art. The Gandhara School was basically formed as a result of the combination of Greco-Roman style and Indian ideas. Several foreign traditions from China and Iran also influenced the formation of this school.
It is closely associated with Mahayana Buddhism and hence the main theme of this art school was Lord Buddha and Bodhisattvas. This style was Indian in terms of ideas and conception with foreign execution.
The main areas where this style flourished were Afghanistan and present North-western India. The flourishing period of this school was around the 1st century BCE to 4Th century CE. The Art school used black stone and stucco extensively. Chaityas, Viharas and Stupas were some prominent free-standing structures.
The Gandhara School of art showed a very realistic and natural depiction of features in utmost perfection and this is the most striking feature of this school. Lord Buddha being the dominant theme, there were images on several other subjects like Greek God Apollo and some kings.

Note:
The Greco-Roman effect on this art form could be traced through several things like Halo around the head of Lord Budha, His wavy hair, the forehead lines, ornaments, drape and style of the garments etc.