Answer:
Answer: a. Gandhara
Introduction:
Buddhism is one of the major religions in the world, and its art and sculpture have been an integral part of Buddhist culture. In this paper, we will explore the Buddhist art school of Gandhara and its influence on Buddhist sculpture.
Gandhara School of Art:
The Gandhara School of Art emerged during the Kushan period (1st to 5th century CE) in present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan. It was a fusion of Indian and Greco-Roman styles that emanated from the ancient Silk Road trade routes.
Characteristics:
The Gandhara School of Art is known for its realistic and naturalistic depiction of Buddha and other Buddhist deities. The sculptures were made of gray-blue schist, a type of stone unique to the region, and were often life-size or larger than life. The figures were depicted wearing robes that reflected the influence of Greek and Roman dress styles.
Influence:
The Gandhara School of Art had a significant impact on Buddhist art in the surrounding regions. Its style spread to Central Asia, China, and Southeast Asia, and influenced the development of other Buddhist art schools such as the Amaravati School in India.
Conclusion:
The sculptural representation of Buddha mentioned in the question is an example of the Gandhara School of Art. The school's unique blend of Indian and Greco-Roman styles and its focus on naturalism and realism had a lasting impact on Buddhist art and sculpture. Through this research, we have gained a deeper understanding of the Gandhara School of Art and its influence on Buddhist culture.