Buddhist Iconography
Standing Buddha Statue: Built in the Kushana Period
The standing statue of Gautama Buddha was first extensively built during the Kushana period, marking the rise of the Gandhara and Mathura schools of art.
Primary Reference: NCERT Class 11 - An Introduction to Indian Art
Archived:
Updated:
Exam Year
1992
Evidence Source
Link ↗The standing statue of Gautam Buddha was built in which period?
[U.P.P.C.S. Prelims 1992]
Detailed Solution & Historical Context
Concept
The transition from symbolic representation (Aniconic) to human representation (Iconic) of Buddha occurred under Kushana patronage.
Authentic Source Evidence
During the reign of Kanishka (Kushana Period, 1st-3rd Century CE), the Gandhara and Mathura schools of art flourished, producing the first standing and seated images of Buddha.
Analytical Breakdown
Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic
"How did Gandhara art differ from Mathura art in depicting Buddha?"
Gandhara art had Greco-Roman influences (wavy hair, drapery), while Mathura art followed indigenous traditions (shaven head, fleshy body).
Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip
"The creation of Buddha statues during the Kushana era coincided with the rise of Mahayana Buddhism, which emphasized the Buddha as a deity to be worshipped."
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