The art and architecture of India - Buddhist, Hindu, Jain (Art Ebook)

l6o ROMANO-INDIAN ART
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same time it is undoubtedly influenced by
innovations
from Gandhara, most notably in
the inclusion of Buddha in anthropomorphic
form. Both in the relation of Jataka stories and
events from the life of Buddha the sculptors of
Mathura evolved what could be described as a
shorthand manner of presentation, in which the
various episodes are stripped of all details of
action and setting, so that the event is often
typified only by the figure of the Buddha in
characteristic pose and mudra. In the example
illustrated [104], the Enlightenment is represented
by the figure of the master in earthtouching
gesture and surrounded by the three
daughters of Mara, typifying the Temptation.
The Buddha's First Preaching shows the master
seated with his hand on a symbolical wheel. An
interesting iconographical detail shows us the
Nativity of the Buddha, symbolized by the sungod
in his chariot. In the lower register we see
four of the seven Buddhas of the Past; and, as a
Bodhisattva, Maitreya, the Buddha of the
Future. Generally, the panels carved at
Mathura are not conceived with that illusionistic
depth of cutting distinguishing the Sahchi
reliefs; the figures and setting, again suggestive
of a Gandharan device, are isolated against a
plain background with little or no overlapping.
It
seems more likely that this method of relief
carving is a continuation of the archaic style of
Bharhut, rather than an influence of Gandhara
reliefs in the Augustan style. It will be noted
that the diminutive figures of the Buddha
portray him in the sarighati or Buddhist mantle
in an evident imitation of the draped Buddha
figures of Gandhara.
A hitherto entirely unsuspected phase of
Kushan art was revealed in the course of the
excavations of the Kushan capital at Begram in
Afghanistan, the ancient Kapisa, known to both
Classical writers and Chinese pilgrims. There,
in the ruins of the palace of Kanishka and his
104. Relief with scenes from the life of Buddha
from Mathura. Lucknow, Provincial Museum
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