The ancient civilization of Gandhara was located
in the region encompassing modern
northeastern Afghanistan and northwestern
Pakistan. It is the name given to an ancient
region or province invaded in 326 BC by
Alexander the Great. Situated at a confluence of
trading paths along the Silk Route, the area was
flooded in diverse cultural influences ranging
from Greece to China. Gandhara flourished under
the Kushan Dynasty and their great king,
Kanishka, who is traditionally given credit for
spreading the philosophies of Buddhism
throughout central Asia and into China. This
period is viewed as the most important era in the
history of Buddhism. After the conquests of
Alexander the Great, the creation of Greco-
Bactrian kingdoms, and the general Hellenization
of the subcontinent, Western aesthetics became
prominent. Greek influence began filter through
Gandhara, which was seen on the art of this
period.
Some of the earliest anthropomorphic
representations of the Buddha were believed to
have been developed under the Kushans. The
innovative anthropomorphic Buddha image
immediately reached a very high level of
sculptural sophistication, naturally inspired by
the sculptural styles of Hellenistic Greece.
Adhering to the primacy of ideal beauty with a
focus on the physical beauty of the human form
and interest in realism, the Gandharan sculptors
created some of the world's most breathtakingly
serene and beautiful sculptures.
This dignified Buddha head was created from
stucco, which was the most popular media used.
This material is easily manipulated and can
produce wonderfully smooth surfaces, as is
apparent on the face. The curled hair has been
arranged in a top-knot, the Gandharan version
of the ushnisha, or mound which symbolises the
Buddha’s wisdom. The overall piece is well
preserved. The Buddha’s influence is evident in
the half-closed eyes suggesting meditation. He
has a straight nose, and beautifully cut lips with
a subtle smile. According to tradition Buddhism
was first introduced into the Gandharan region
under the patronage of Asoka, emperor of the
Mauryan dynasty, in the third century B.C. The
first significant physical remains to survive,
including stupas and figurative sculpture, date
from the first century B.C. In subsequent
centuries Gandharan monks were to play an
important role in the spread of Buddhism into
other parts of Asia, especially China.
The Kushans were able to establish a strong
empire for a period of about three hundred
years, and produced works of art reflecting both
indigenous traditions and external influences.
The Gandharan School reached its peak mainly
towards the end of the second century with the
production of the most significant large Buddha
statues. Their style continued to flourish until the
seventh century.
