The time between the 2nd century BCE and the 3rd century CE saw major changes in Indian art. This was after the fall of the Mauryan Empire, and new styles developed under the influence of different rulers and cultures. For UGC NET aspirants, it is important to study Post-Mauryan Art, three major schools of art that emerged during this period:
- Gandhara School
- Mathura School
- Amaravati School
Each of these schools had its own style, material, themes, and cultural influence. Let’s break it down step by step.
Gandhara School of Art Made Easy: UGC NET Cultural Heritage Guide
Where It Was Popular: Gandhara art developed in the north-western part of India—mainly in areas that are now in Pakistan and Afghanistan, such as Taxila and Peshawar.
Main Influences: It was deeply influenced by Greek and Roman art styles because this region had been ruled by Indo-Greek kings.
Easy-to-Understand Features:
- Material Used: Mostly grey stone, which allowed detailed carvings.
- Style: Figures looked very real, with features like wavy hair, sharp noses, and robes like Roman clothes.
- Themes: Stories from Buddha’s life, such as his birth or enlightenment.
- Special Elements: Buddha statues with western features—curly hair, serious face, and long robes.
Example: Imagine a statue where Buddha looks more like a Roman philosopher than an Indian sage—this shows the cultural blend in Gandhara art.
Why It Matters for UGC NET: Gandhara art helped take Buddhism to Central Asia and China through the famous Silk Road.
Mathura School of Art Simplified: UGC NET Ancient India Notes
Where It Grew: Mathura, in today’s Uttar Pradesh, became a major art center during the rule of the Kushana kings.
Main Influences: It followed Indian traditions but was encouraged by foreign rulers like the Kushanas.
Key Features:
- Material Used: Bright red sandstone.
- Style: Less focus on realism, more on Indian style—round faces, calm smiles, and simple clothes.
- Themes: Both Hindu and Buddhist figures were created here.
- New Touch: First proper statues of gods like Vishnu and Buddha were made here.
Real-Life Example: A smiling statue of a goddess with local Indian jewelry, standing calmly with a gentle expression.
Why Important for UGC NET: Mathura art marked a shift from symbols (like footprints for Buddha) to proper human images of gods and saints.
Amaravati School of Art Explained Clearly: UGC NET Visual Art Topic
Where It Developed: In Andhra Pradesh, especially around Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda, under the Satavahana rulers.
Unique Characteristics:
- Material Used: Soft white marble.
- Style: Beautiful and decorative carvings with lots of movement.
- Themes: Mostly Buddhist—stories of Buddha and scenes from daily life.
- Artistic Quality: Carvings were like comic strips, telling full stories in a single panel.
Updated Example: Imagine a white marble wall showing villagers offering food to monks—each person is carved with different clothes and actions.
Why UGC NET Aspirants Should Know This: Amaravati art influenced countries like Sri Lanka and Indonesia, where similar art styles developed in later centuries.
Comparative Look at the Three Art Schools: UGC NET Table-Friendly Format
| Feature | Gandhara School | Mathura School | Amaravati School |
| Region | Northwest India (Taxila, Peshawar) | Central India (Mathura) | South India (Amaravati, Nagarjunakonda) |
| Material Used | Grey schist stone | Red sandstone | White marble |
| Style | Realistic, Roman-Greek features | Indian features, simple drapery | Decorative, story-based carvings |
| Themes | Buddhist (Buddha’s life) | Hindu and Buddhist deities | Buddhist stories and daily life |
| Cultural Influence | Greek and Roman | Indigenous Indian | Maritime trade-linked regions |
| Popular Examples | Seated Buddha with robe | Yaksha/Yakshini, standing Buddha | Story panels from Amaravati Stupa |
Cultural Synthesis Through Art: UGC NET Concept-Based Analysis
These three art styles didn’t just make pretty sculptures—they reflected real social, religious, and cultural changes in ancient India.
- Blending of Cultures: Gandhara showed the influence of Greeks. Mathura kept the Indian spirit alive. Amaravati mixed trade and storytelling.
- Religious Growth: All three styles helped Buddhism spread far and wide by telling stories in visual form.
- Start of Icon Worship: Especially in Mathura, people began worshipping gods and saints in human form, not just symbols.
Legacy of Post-Mauryan Art in Later Periods: UGC NET Historical Art Link
The artistic ideas and skills developed in these schools became the foundation for the great art of the Gupta period that followed. From the Gandhara curls to Mathura’s smiling gods and Amaravati’s carved stories, we see their impact in temples and sculptures even today.
Why This Topic is Vital for UGC NET?
Post-Mauryan art shows how India blended its traditions with foreign influences and created something unique. For UGC NET, it connects history, culture, and art into one powerful theme.
- Gandhara shows external influence and realism.
- Mathura represents Indian identity and religious change.
- Amaravati reflects storytelling and trade connections.
Characteristics and Contributions to Indian Art History: UGC NET Must-Read
The time after the Mauryan Empire, from the 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE, brought big changes to Indian art and architecture. This period is known as the Post-Mauryan era, and it’s a very important topic for UGC NET aspirants in History and Art & Culture.
During this time, three major art schools developed in different regions:
- Gandhara School in the northwest
- Mathura School in northern India
- Amaravati School in southern India
These schools were known for mixing local Indian styles with outside influences like Greek, Roman, and Persian cultures. Let’s explore the main features and contributions of Post-Mauryan art in simple language.
Key Characteristics of Post-Mauryan Art: UGC NET Topic Explained Simply
1. Art That Tells Stories: The Narrative Style
One of the special things about this period was storytelling through art. Artists used sculpture to tell religious stories, especially about Buddha.
- Scenes from Buddha’s previous lives (called Jataka tales) were carved into stone.
- These stories were shown on relief panels—a type of sculpture that sticks out from the wall.
- Famous places like the Bharhut and Sanchi stupas had these story carvings.
Example: A panel might show a prince giving up his wealth to help a poor person—one of Buddha’s earlier lives.
2. Mixing of Different Styles: Cultural Fusion in Art
This period saw a blend of Indian and foreign artistic styles.
- Gandhara art looked realistic, with Greek-style robes and curly hair.
- Mathura art kept the Indian look—round faces, peaceful expressions, and local clothing.
- Amaravati art focused on detailed carvings and lifelike movement in the figures.
This fusion happened because of rulers like the Indo-Greeks and Kushanas, who brought their cultures with them.
3. Use of Different Materials in Each School
Each school of art used different types of stone based on what was available in the region.
| School | Material Used | Style Focus |
| Gandhara | Grey schist stone | Fine detailing, realistic |
| Mathura | Red sandstone | Bold and expressive figures |
| Amaravati | White marble | Elegant and decorative |
4. Religious Themes in Post-Mauryan Art
Religious ideas were a major part of the art from this time.
- Buddhism was the most common theme, with sculptures of Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and scenes from Buddhist life.
- Hindu gods like Vishnu, Shiva, and Krishna started appearing more, especially in Mathura.
- Jain symbols and figures were also seen in some places.
Example: In Mathura, a sculpture might show a four-armed Vishnu holding a conch, showing the rise of Hindu worship.
5. Architectural Developments: Not Just Statues
Post-Mauryan art was not only about sculptures—it also included buildings and monuments.
- Stupas were built and decorated, such as the ones at Amaravati and Sanchi.
- Rock-cut caves like Ajanta and Ellora were started during this period and had walls filled with carvings.
- Sculptures were made a part of the architecture—pillars, doorways, and railings had artistic carvings.
Big Contributions to Indian Art: UGC NET Key Points
1. Rise of Regional Art Styles
Each region had its own art style:
- Gandhara brought realism and foreign influence to Indian art.
- Mathura introduced proper human forms of gods, like a standing Buddha or a smiling Shiva.
- Amaravati became famous for storytelling through sculpture, showing daily life and religious tales.
2. Helping Spread Religion Across Asia
- Gandhara and Amaravati helped spread Buddhism to other countries like China, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia.
- Art was used to teach religious stories to people, even if they couldn’t read.
- Mathura also helped Hinduism grow, and its style influenced temple art later on.
3. Mixing of Cultures: A Unique Indian Identity
Post-Mauryan art shows how India blended local and foreign elements:
- Gandhara showed Greek influence through realistic human figures.
- Amaravati connected with Southeast Asia through sea trade, and their styles were copied abroad.
4. New Ways to Show Gods: Iconographic Innovations
Before this period, Buddha was shown using symbols like footprints or a tree. But now, human images of Buddha and Hindu gods became common.
- Buddha was shown sitting with calm expressions, wearing simple robes.
- Hindu gods like Krishna were shown as children or warriors in lively poses.
5. Long-Lasting Influence on Indian Art
Post-Mauryan art laid the base for the Gupta period, often called the golden age of Indian art.
- Techniques developed here were improved later.
- Icon styles and temple architecture from this period became standard for centuries.
Conclusion
The Post-Mauryan period was a golden phase in the evolution of Indian art. It brought new forms, ideas, and cultural exchanges that shaped the future of religious art in India. The unique styles of Gandhara, Mathura, and Amaravati schools tell us how different regions blended local and foreign elements to create a rich artistic legacy. For UGC NET aspirants, understanding these contributions is key to mastering topics in Indian Art and Culture.
Post-Mauryan Art for UGC NET FAQs
How is Gandhara art different from Mathura art?
Gandhara art shows Greek influence and realism, while Mathura art follows Indian traditions with bold and spiritual expressions.
What materials were used in Post-Mauryan sculptures?
Grey schist in Gandhara, red sandstone in Mathura, and white marble in Amaravati.
Which religions are represented in Post-Mauryan art?
Buddhism dominates, but Hindu and Jain elements also appear, especially in Mathura art.
Why is Post-Mauryan art important for UGC NET preparation?
It highlights cultural fusion, iconography, and religious spread—key themes in Indian heritage, frequently asked in UGC NET.
