Sculptural works in Mathura was
already in an elevated position, with the thriving kingdom of the Guptas. The
place was considered sophisticated, classical and developed with the elite
residing there, with abundance of scholarly events in all spheres of life,
including art, architecture, writing etc. Buddhist sculptures in Mathura
tried to represent the religious aspects of faiths like Jainism, Brahmanism and
of course Buddhism. The Mathura art forms, illustrating Buddhist sculpture, is
however known to have been influenced by the early Indian art forms of Bharhut
and Sanchi. The Gandhara art influence cannot also denied in this respect.
Mathura based sculptural works are believed to have incorporated the various
aspects of the old folk forms of Yaksha worship and thus paved the way to an
enhanced and religious stylisation. The phenomenal Buddha sculptures,
portraying a forward stance, are known to be among the best showcases,
representing the skilled craftsmanship of the sculptors of Mathura. The
archetypal characteristics evidencing the Mathura theme comprise the mannish
built, broad shoulders, and rising of the right hand, suggests the abhyamudra.
At its helm, Mathura School of Art was highlighted by penetratingly courteous
features and streamlined body with refined impression through crystalline
garbs, including a dissimilar hairstyle.
In spite of an obviously incessant
output, dated sculptures of the 3rd and 4th centuries were practically
non-existent in Mathura as elsewhere. Kubera, with its Late Kubera, or a small
standing yaksa face, with beautifies of a later date and a bulged chest, riding
on over-rounded shoulders, resonant of Udayagiri, for certain belongs to the
3rd or early 4th centuries. So do also the Jain Tirthankaras, with dates in
single or double digits, as well as the one in the State Museum, Lucknow. A
seated Buddha with likewise unprocessed lions and conferrers on the foundation
wears a Gandhara-styled robe, covering both shoulders. On one of the rings of
the halo are the extensively and proportionately spaced rosettes, distinctive
of the forthcoming century. To know more read:
