Question

The Gandhara School of sculpture is influenced by:

• A. Graeco-Roman Art
• B. Chinese Art
• C. Egyptian Art
• D. Persian Art

Hint:

Gandhara = Greek influence + Buddhist themes = Indo-Greek art style.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Gandhara School Overview.
The Gandhara School of art thrived from the 1st century BCE to the 5th century CE in northwestern India (modern Afghanistan and Pakistan).
Step 2: Graeco-Roman Influence.
It was significantly shaped by Graeco-Roman art following Alexander's invasion and subsequent cultural interactions.
Buddha was portrayed in human form exhibiting Greco-Roman characteristics, such as wavy hair, drapery, and realistic anatomical representation.
Step 3: Option Evaluation.
- (A) Graeco-Roman Art: Correct. The primary influence on the Gandhara style.
- (B) Chinese Art: Later impacted Buddhist iconography in East Asia, but not Gandhara.
- (C) Egyptian Art: No direct link.
- (D) Persian Art: Affected Achaemenid and Mughal art, but not Gandhara sculpture.
Step 4: Summary.
The Gandhara School of sculpture's main influence was Graeco-Roman art.