In this Article we will discuss about Main features of Mathura style of kushana sculptural Art.
The Mathura style of Kushana sculptural art is one of the most significant and influential artistic traditions of ancient India. It developed during the Kushan Empire, which ruled much of northern India from the 1st to the 3rd century CE. Mathura, located in present-day Uttar Pradesh, was one of the major centers for the production of this art. The sculptures from this period are known for their remarkable beauty, detailed craftsmanship, and strong religious and cultural significance. The Mathura style played a key role in the development of Indian art, especially in representing religious themes like Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
Main features of Mathura style of kushana sculptural Art
Let’s look at the main features of this Mathura style of kushana sculptural Art.
1.Buddha Representation
One of the most important feature of the Mathura sculptural style is the representation of the Buddha. Before the Kushan period, the Buddha was depicted in an abstract or symbolic form, such as footprints or an empty throne. However, during the Kushan Empire, the Buddha began to be represented as a human figure for the first time in Indian art.
In the Mathura style, the Buddha is often shown with a calm and serene expression, wearing simple robes, and in various poses. The posture of the Buddha is usually standing or sitting in meditation. The sculptures of the Buddha from Mathura are characterized by a strong, muscular build, showing the physical power and spiritual strength of the Buddha. This human representation of the Buddha was revolutionary because it made the Buddha more relatable to people and allowed for a more direct connection with the teachings of Buddhism.
2.Naturalistic and Realistic Features
The sculptures from Mathura are known for their lifelike and realistic qualities. Artists paid great attention to human anatomy, creating figures with detailed facial features, flowing robes, and natural body proportions. Unlike earlier abstract depictions, the Mathura sculptors focused on representing the human body with realism.
The faces of the figures are carefully carved with detailed features, such as well-defined eyes, a strong nose, and full lips, giving the sculptures a sense of personality. The robes are often depicted as flowing and intricately draped, showing the skill of the artists in capturing the movement of cloth. This attention to detail made the sculptures appear more lifelike and enhanced their emotional impact.
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3.Blend of Indian and Foreign Influences
During the Kushan period, there was a lot of cultural exchange due to trade and contact with regions outside India, especially with the Greek, Roman, and Central Asian cultures. This led to a fusion of styles in the Mathura sculptures. While the sculptures clearly had their roots in Indian traditions, they also showed influences from Greek and Roman art, particularly in the way the human body was depicted.
The faces of the figures in Mathura sculptures often have features that resemble those of Greco-Roman sculptures, such as curly hair and strong jawlines. The way the figures are posed and their clothing also show the influence of Hellenistic art (Greek art that spread into Asia). However, despite these foreign influences, the Mathura artists managed to maintain a strong Indian identity, with the figures’ expressions and postures reflecting Indian religious beliefs and ideas.
4.Iconography and Symbolism
Mathura sculptors used many symbolic elements to convey religious and spiritual meanings in their works. For example, in depictions of the Buddha, the sculptors often included certain symbols, such as the wheel (representing the Buddha’s teachings, known as the Dharma Chakra), the lotus flower (representing purity and spiritual growth), and the “ushnisha” (a topknot on the Buddha’s head symbolizing wisdom).
Hindu gods and goddesses, like Vishnu, Shiva, and Durga, were also depicted in Mathura art. These deities were shown with specific iconographic features, such as multiple arms to show their divine power, special accessories like weapons or jewelry, and often accompanied by animals that symbolize their characteristics.
The representations of Hindu gods in the Mathura style were often majestic and full of divine power. For example, Lord Vishnu is depicted as a serene and regal figure, with four arms, holding a discus, conch shell, mace, and lotus flower. Similarly, depictions of Lord Shiva show him with a third eye and a serene yet powerful expression, indicating his role as both a destroyer and a protector.
5.Religious Themes and Deities
The Mathura style was primarily used to depict religious themes, especially Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain subjects. The Buddhist art from Mathura includes scenes from the life of the Buddha, such as his birth, enlightenment, and the first sermon. These events are depicted in an idealized way, focusing on the Buddha’s serenity and wisdom.
For Hinduism, the Mathura sculptures depicted gods and goddesses like Vishnu, Shiva, Brahma, Durga, and others. These sculptures were often used in temples and shrines as objects of worship. The Hindu deities are typically shown with serene expressions and are often larger than life, emphasizing their divine status.
The Jain art of Mathura, though less common, also appears in the form of sculptures of Jain Tirthankaras, the enlightened spiritual teachers of Jainism. These figures were often shown with meditative expressions, sitting in a cross-legged position, symbolizing their pursuit of spiritual liberation.
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6.Use of High-Quality Materials
The Mathura sculptures are made from high-quality sandstone, which was readily available in the region. Sandstone allowed artists to carve intricate details, and the soft texture of the stone made it easier to shape. The stone was polished to give the sculptures a smooth finish, making them visually striking.
Many of the sculptures were painted with bright colors, which is evident from the traces of pigment found on some of the sculptures today. These colors were used to highlight details like the robes, jewelry, and other features of the figures, making them even more vibrant and lifelike.
7.Emphasis on Expression and Emotion
One of the notable features of the Mathura style is its emphasis on facial expressions and emotional portrayal. The artists sought to convey the inner emotions of the figures, especially in the depictions of the Buddha and Hindu deities. The Buddha’s face often has a calm, serene, and meditative expression, symbolizing peace and wisdom.
In contrast, the faces of Hindu gods and goddesses often express different emotions like power, compassion, and grace. For example, Lord Vishnu’s face is calm and benevolent, while Lord Shiva’s face may display a more intense, focused expression, reflecting his role as a powerful and mysterious god.
8.Realism and Movement
The sculptures from Mathura also show a keen sense of realism and movement. Figures are often shown in dynamic poses, with a sense of fluidity in the way their bodies are carved. The posture of the figures, especially in depictions of the Buddha, is meant to convey a sense of calmness and spiritual focus. In contrast, the Hindu gods are shown in more dynamic poses, reflecting their active and powerful nature.
Conclusion
The Mathura style of Kushan sculptural art is an important chapter in the history of Indian art. Its main features include the human representation of the Buddha, realistic portrayals of the human body, a blend of Indian and foreign influences, and strong religious symbolism. The art from this period helped shape the visual identity of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism in India, influencing the development of religious art in the centuries that followed. The Mathura style continues to be celebrated for its beauty, craftsmanship, and its role in conveying spiritual messages.