Roadmap for Answer Writing
- Introduction
- Briefly introduce the Mathura School of art.
- Mention its significance in the development of religious iconography in India, specifically for Buddhist, Jaina, and Brahmanical deities.
- Buddhist Iconography in Mathura Art
- Discuss the key features of Buddhist sculptures from Mathura:
- Focus on the Buddha and Bodhisattva images.
- Detail the stylistic features: round face, sharp nose, thick lips, usnisa (topknot), and abhayamudra (gesture of reassurance).
- Mention the significant iconographic elements like the Bodhi tree, lion pedestal, and sacred symbols.
- Example: Life-size, free-standing Bodhisattva image with a large umbrella and carved sacred symbols (source: Mathura art overview).
- Discuss the key features of Buddhist sculptures from Mathura:
- Jaina Iconography in Mathura Art
- Explain the role of Mathura in Jaina art:
- Mention the site of Kankila Tila as a key center.
- Highlight the sarvatobhadrika images depicting Tirthankaras in the kayotsarga posture.
- Discuss the anjali mudra (prayer pose) of devotees in Jaina art.
- Example: Tirthankaras on tiered platforms, which exemplify the meditative and renunciatory nature of Jainism (source: Mathura’s Jaina sculptures).
- Explain the role of Mathura in Jaina art:
- Brahmanical Iconography in Mathura Art
- Describe Mathura’s contribution to Brahmanical iconography:
- Vaishnava images: Vishnu shown with four arms holding gada, chakra, and kamandalu, and with abhayamudra.
- Balarama: Depicted in two-armed and four-armed forms with serpent-hood and plough.
- Saiva iconography: Mukhalingas, combining the Linga and anthropomorphic Shiva forms, along with Ardhanariswara (union of Shiva and Parvati).
- Example: Early Vishnu representations at Mathura Museum and the creation of Mukhalinga form (source: Mathura’s Brahmanical sculptures).
- Describe Mathura’s contribution to Brahmanical iconography:
- Conclusion
- Summarize the significance of Mathura art in shaping the iconography of religious deities across Buddhist, Jaina, and Brahmanical traditions.
- Emphasize the lasting impact of Mathura art on Indian religious art and iconography.
Model Answer
Mathura art made significant contributions to the development of iconographies for Buddhist, Jaina, and Brahmanical deities during the early centuries of the common era. This period witnessed the blending of various religious traditions, which is evident in the iconographic evolution of these deities.
Buddhist Sculptures
Mathura’s Buddhist sculptures are known for their sturdy and earth-bound representations of Buddha and Bodhisattvas. The images typically feature a round face, sharp nose, thick lips with a subtle smile, and a prominent usnisa (topknot). Notably, the seated Buddha often performs the abhayamudra (gesture of reassurance), with his left hand resting on his knee.
The Bodhisattvas are shown with large, detailed umbrellas, beneath which are sacred symbols like the lotus, mythical beasts, and other auspicious motifs. These representations contributed to the gradual move towards more complex Buddhist iconography, with added elements like the Bodhi tree and lion figures on pedestals, signifying the BuddhaтАЩs lion throneina Sculptures Mathura also played a pivotal role in Jaina sculpture, with the site of Kankila Tila being a key center for Jaina ideologies.
Among the significant findings are sarvatobhadrika images depicting Tirthankaras standing in the kayotsarga posture on multi-tiered platforms, with devotees shown in anjali mudra (prayer pose). These images reflect the Jaina ideal of self-discipline and renunciation, marking an important phase in Jaina religious art .
B Sculptures
In the Brahmanical tradition, Mathura art contributed to the depiction of Vaishnava, Saiva, and other deities. Vishnu is typically shown in his four-armed form, holding a gada, chakra, and kamandalu, with his right hand in abhayamudra. Balarama is depicted with two or four arms, often with a serpent-hood canopy, and is linked to his pastoral origins. Additionally, the Mukhalingas, which combine the Linga and anthropomorphic forms of Shiva, emerged during this period, along with the creation of the Ardhanariswara form, symbolizing the union of Shiva and Parvati .
Mathura’s sculapsulated the defining traits of these religious traditions, leaving a lasting legacy in the art and iconography of Indian spirituality.