Gandhara School
Situated in the Northwest Frontier of India, encompassing regions in Pakistan (near Peshawar) and Afghanistan.
Major centers included Jalalabad (Afghanistan), Hadda, Bagram (Afghanistan), and Taxila (Pakistan).
Flourished under the Kushana rulers, particularly Kanishka, and was later supported by the Sakas.
Primarily associated with Buddhism, especially the Mahayana tradition.
Strongly influenced by Greek art, leading to its identification as the Greco-Indian School of Art or Hellenistic Sculpture.
Sculptures were primarily made from bluish-grey sandstone and stucco.
Features of Gandhara Sculpture
The Buddha is depicted in a spiritual state, with half-closed eyes and elongated ears, often seated in a yogic posture.
Great attention to physical details, including wavy hair. Some depictions feature Buddha with a beard or mustache.
The Buddha is portrayed with a lean body, emphasizing his ascetic nature.
Both seated and standing figures are commonly found.
