During the Post-Mauryan Period (c. 200 BCE – 300 CE), Indian art witnessed remarkable growth under the patronage of the Shungas, Satavahanas, Kushanas, and Indo-Greeks. Three major schools of art flourished during this period:
1. Gandhara School of Art
Region: Present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan (Peshawar, Taxila)
Patron: Kushanas, especially Kanishka
Important Features
- Strong influence of Greek (Hellenistic), Roman, and Persian art.
- First school to represent Buddha in human form.
- Use of grey sandstone.
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Buddha depicted with:
- Curly hair
- Sharp facial features
- Mustache (occasionally)
- Heavy drapery resembling Greek robes
- Emphasis on realism and anatomical accuracy.
- Themes mainly related to the life and teachings of Buddha.
Significance
- Represents a fusion of Indian and Western artistic traditions.
- Known as Greco-Buddhist Art.
2. Mathura School of Art
Region: Mathura (Uttar Pradesh)
Important Features
- Entirely indigenous Indian style.
- Use of red sandstone.
- Images are more spiritual and symbolic than realistic.
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Buddha figures:
- Broad shoulders and chest
- Thin, transparent garments
- Smiling expression
- Spiritual aura
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Produced images of:
- Buddha
- Jain Tirthankaras
- Hindu deities such as Vishnu and Shiva
- Rich ornamentation and robust body forms.
Significance
- Became the foundation for later Gupta art.
- Reflected Indian ideals of beauty and divinity.
3. Amaravati School of Art
Region: Andhra Pradesh (Amaravati, Nagarjunakonda)
Patron: Satavahanas and Ikshvakus
Important Features
- Use of white marble/limestone.
- Famous for elaborate stupa railings and panels.
- Delicate and intricate carvings.
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Depiction of:
- Jataka stories
- Buddha's life events
- Buddhist symbols
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Figures shown with:
- Graceful movements
- Dynamic poses
- Decorative richness
Significance
- Represents the highest achievement of Buddhist sculptural art in South India.
- Influenced Buddhist art in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.