Literature and Science in Post Mauryan Period

• Charaka, often referred to as the Father of Ayurveda, authored the Charaka Samhita, a seminal work on medicine.
• Asvaghosha, a prominent Buddhist scholar, penned Buddhacharita, the first comprehensive biography of Buddha.
• Nagarjuna, another influential Buddhist scholar in Kanishka’s court, was the foremost advocate of Mahayana Buddhism. His renowned work, Madhyamikasutra, introduced the concept of relativity in its preliminary form.
• Mathara, a skilled politician, served as a minister under Kanishka.
• Vasumitra, a notable figure in Kanishka’s reign, presided over the Fourth Buddhist Council.

Gandhara School of Art in Post Mauryan Period

• During Kanishka’s prosperous reign, two prominent schools of sculptural art flourished: the Gandhara School and the Mathura School.

Gandhara School of Art

• This art form combined influences from Bactria, Parthia, and the indigenous Gandhara tradition.
• Major centers of Gandhara art included Jalalabad, Hadda, Bamaran, Begram, and Taxila.
• During the early phase (1st-2nd century CE), artists primarily used blue-grey schist stone for crafting sculptures.
• Gandhara art is known for its realistic portrayal of human forms, meticulously depicting limbs and other physical features.
  • A notable bronze reliquary from Shah-ji-ki-Dheri Stupa showcases Buddha, Kushana kings, and flying geese, symbolizing wandering monks.
  • Relief carvings on pillars of Sehribhelol Stupa depict scenes from Buddha’s life, including his birth, enlightenment, sermon at Deer Park, and death.
• Greco-Buddhist art style defined Gandhara’s sculptures, characterized by fine detailing and realism.
• The Buddha’s depiction bore a resemblance to the Greek god Apollo, with broad shoulders, a halo around the head, and a heroic physique.
• Drapery in Gandhara art displayed detailed folds, and physical features such as muscles, nails, and hair were rendered with exceptional precision.
• Rich carving, elaborate ornamentation, and intricate symbolism further defined Gandhara art.

Mathura School of Art in Post Mauryan Period

• Mathura art reflected the traditions of Brahmanism, Jainism, and Buddhism, showcasing India’s religious diversity.
• This school emerged during the post-Mauryan era, gained prominence during the Shunga period, and reached its zenith in the Gupta period (CE 325-600).
• Sculptures were primarily crafted from locally available red sandstone.
• Mathura art exhibited higher relief work compared to Gandhara art and evolved with native elements and styles.
  • Female figures adorned the railings of stupas, portrayed in traditional Indian attire.
  • Mathura sculptures reflected a serene atmosphere, with influences derived from the ideal yogi type, including lotus feet and meditative expressions.
  • Unlike Gandhara art, Mathura artists emphasized naturalistic features over Greco-Roman realism.
• The votive pillars depicted scenes from daily life and feminine beauty, such as those found at Kankali Tila.
• Early Buddha images depicted standing and sitting postures, such as the iconic Katra Buddha statue.
• Key characteristics of Mathura sculptures included broad shoulders, shaven heads, ushnisha (head protuberance), and serene expressions. Buddha images were often shown with the abhaya mudra (gesture of reassurance) and seated on a lion throne.
• The Jina images and indigenous depictions of Buddha in Mathura art influenced Gupta art significantly.
• Mathura also produced sculptures of Kushana kings, including Kanishka, Wima, and Chastana, to depict their divine status.

Religion of Mahayana Buddhism in Post Mauryan Period

• Kanishka played a crucial role in the rise of Mahayana Buddhism, which introduced the worship of Buddha in human form.
• Before this period, Buddha was worshipped symbolically through stupas.
• Kanishka issued coins featuring Buddha’s image, marking a significant development in Buddhist iconography.
• The term Mahayana, meaning “Great Vehicle” in Sanskrit, emphasizes the heavenly attributes of Buddha and incorporates idol worship of Buddha and Bodhisattvas.
• Originating in northern India and Kashmir, Mahayana Buddhism spread to Central Asia, East Asia, and parts of Southeast Asia.
• Prominent Mahayana Buddhist traditions were later embedded in cultures of China, Korea, Tibet, and Japan.