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- The sculptures tradition of Gandhara was influenced by traditions of Bactria, Parthia and local region
- It flourished largely during the Kushan dynasty in the North-West frontier of the country
- They used Grey/bluish grey sandstone
- Buddhism was the main inspiration behind many of the sculptures
Features of the Gandhara sculptures:
Spiritual Buddha– there is a sense of calmness in the depiction of Buddha
Less ornaments on Buddha
Buddha has been depicted with wavy hair
Large foreheadand eyes appear to be closed
The seated Buddha is always shown cross-legged in the traditional Indian way
The Buddha and Bodhisattva figuresresemble the Greek God Apollo with broad shoulders, a halo around the head
The physical features such as muscles, nails, hair have been done with great detail.
