Question

Whose image was carved in Gandhara School of art?
A. Gautam Buddha
B. Mahavir
C. Lord Shiva
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: The Gandhara School of art is also known as the Hellenic-buddhist art. This art form was popular in the northern side of India. This art form was patronised by Kanishka.

Complete Answer:
Gandhara school of art was one of the major schools of art in ancient India. It is a vital part of the art history of India. Its major identifying feature is the heavy influence of the Greco-Roman style of art. Therefore, the specimens of this art have Indian cultural themes but the artistic style from outside India. The important centres of this school were Taxila, Peshawar, Begram, and Bamiyan.

A. Gautam Buddha's image was a very common topic for this school of art. There are many statues of the Buddha with very intricate and beautiful details. Therefore, this is the correct option.

B. Mahavir, the founder of Jainism, does not have images carved in the Gandhara School. Instead, there are images of Mahavir in the Mathura school of art. So, this is not the correct option.

C. Lord Shiva also does not have images carved in the Gandhara School of art. But there are many Shiva images carved in the style of the Mathura School of art. Therefore, this is also not the correct option.

D. Since only option A is the correct answer, this is not correct.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option.

Note: The Gandhara school of art flourished from the 1st century BCE to 4th century CE. Black stone and stucco was extensively used in this style of art. Gandhara School of art shows very realistic and natural features depicted with perfection. Kanishka, the greatest king of the Kushana dynasty patronised art and architecture. The Gandhara School of art flourished during his reign.