Adityamadhav83/ CC BY 3.0 )
Kushan Dynasty Art
The Kushan dynasty followed Asoka's Mauryan regime as an artistically vivid and powerful empire due to its prominent role in securing India's position within the wider Asian context. This period dates approximately from 30-375 AD and is known best for various cultural influences. It was during this period that Indian sea trade expanded and the Silk Road in China began to affect commerce both going into India and coming out of it. Further, sources indicate that the Kushan were in rather consistent communication with the ancient Greeks, adopting Greek coins, language, and even religious aspects. In conjunction with the firm holds Hinduism and Buddhism already had in India, along with the rising Zoroastrianism faith stemming from the Persian region, the Kushan Empire was a distinct cultural melting pot. Thus, the art of this period was highly unique.
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Kushan art depicting a Kushan devotee, the Bodhisattva Maitreya, the Buddha, the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, and a Buddhist monk. 2nd-3rd century AD. Gandhara. ( CC BY SA 3.0 )
From this empire, works survive that break the "norms" that were currently in place in Indian art. Buddha was depicted erect, rather than seated with his legs crossed—attributed to the Hellenistic influences in the area—and statues began to exhibit much more stylized forms, indicative of early Greek art and Persian works. This period also saw the rise of "Greco-Buddhist" art, a continuation of Greek artistic forms utilized on Indian subjects.
Kushan king or prince, 2nd or 3rd century AD. This is an example of Greco-Buddhist art. ( CC BY SA 3.0 )
The Mauryan and Kushan empires are just two of many that make up the cultural, religious and artistic history of modern day India. In conjunction with the Indus Valley Region, believed to be the first primary settlement of ancient India, these empires form an overview of the visual contexts much of India continues to adhere to, or recognize, to this day.
By Ryan Stone
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