Influence of the Mathura School of Art on Indian Sculptural Traditions
Keywords:
Mathura School, Indian sculpture, iconography, Kushana art, Gupta traditionAbstract
The Mathura School of Art represents one of the most influential artistic traditions in early Indian history, shaping the visual and spiritual foundations of Indian sculptural culture. Flourishing under the Kushanas, Mathura developed a distinctly indigenous aesthetic characterised by robust modelling, expressive faces, symbolic gestures, and the innovative representation of deities across Buddhist, Jain, and Brahmanical traditions. This paper examines how Mathura’s sculptural idiom contributed to the emergence of iconic forms such as the anthropomorphic Buddha, standardized Jain Tirthankara imagery, and early Brahmanical iconography. It further explores Mathura’s profound impact on the evolution of Gupta art, often celebrated as the classical zenith of Indian sculpture, and its role in influencing later temple architecture and regional artistic schools across North and Central India. By analysing stylistic, iconographic, and cultural dimensions, the study highlights Mathura’s enduring legacy in shaping the broader trajectory of Indian sculptural traditions.
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