What distinguishes Gandhara art from Mathura art in terms of material?

Gandhara art primarily used green schist or gray stone/stucco, while the Mathura school predominantly used spotted red sandstone.

Ancient Indian Art Schools

UPSC Archival Analysis

Exam Year

1996

Evidence Source

Link

ID: ANC_HIS_PMPG_1996_23 Ref: Standard Educational Reference

Which one of the following sculptures invariably used green schist as the medium?

AI Quick Summary (View Answer)

Correct Option: D

Gandhara sculptures invariably used green schist as their medium. This stone, native to the Gandhara region, allowed for the detailed Greco-Roman realistic styling typical of Kushan-era Buddhist art.