Let us Explore (Page 140) Now that you are familiar with the basic characteristics of the Mathura and Gandhara styles of art Class 7

Let us Explore (Page 140) Now that you are familiar with the basic characteristics of the Mathura and Gandhara styles of art Class 7

Now that you are familiar with the basic characteristics of the Mathura and Gandhara styles of art, study the pictures of artefacts given in Fig. 6.27 on the page 141 of textbook and try to identify which school of art each artefact belongs to. Write your observations with justifications and discuss your answers with your classmates. Class 7

Answer:

(1) Gandhara (School of art) - A scene of the death of Buddha.

Justification: The deep, heavy folds of the dress and the realistic, almost muscular depiction of the figures.

(2) Gandhara - Bodhisattva Maitreya

Justification: The figure is depicted in a princely dress with rich ornaments and sharp features.

(3) Mathura - Sivalinga being worshipped

Justification: This artefact uses the characteristic spotted red sandstone.

(4) Mathura - A Naga between two Nagīs.

Justification: This piece is also carved from red sandstone. The focus on local folk deities (Nagas) and the fleshy, rounded body proportions.

(5) Mathura - Kartikeya and Agni

Justification: The use of red sandstone and the representation of Brahmanical deities in a bold, indigenous style.

(6) Gandhara - Standing Buddha.

Justification: The Buddha is shown wearing a thick robe with realistic, deeply carved folds that resemble a Roman toga.