Q. Gandhara School of Art was developed during the reign of
(a) Ashoka
(b) Kanishka
(c) Chandragupta
(d) Bindusara
Ans: (b) Kanishka
Explanation: The Gandhara School of Art was developed during the reign of (b) Kanishka.
Kanishka was an emperor of the Kushan Empire, which ruled over a large part of northern India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan from the 1st to the 3rd century CE. He played a significant role in the patronage and development of the Gandhara School of Art.
The Gandhara School of Art emerged in the region of Gandhara, located in present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan. It was influenced by both Indian and Hellenistic artistic traditions due to the cultural interactions in the region. The art produced by the Gandhara School is characterized by the fusion of Indian and Greco-Roman elements.
Under the patronage of Kanishka, the Gandhara School of Art flourished and reached its peak. The art from this period prominently features the depiction of Buddha in human form, influenced by the Hellenistic artistic style. The sculptures from the Gandhara School are known for their realistic and naturalistic portrayal of figures, with Greek-inspired drapery and facial features.
Therefore, the correct answer is (b) Kanishka.
