Overview
This lecture examines the early anthropomorphic representation of the Buddha from Mathura, focusing on the "Seated Buddha with Two Attendants," its stylistic features, symbolism, cultural context, and how it compares with similar representations from Gandhara.
Early Depictions of the Buddha
- Early Indian Buddhist art used aniconic (symbolic) forms like footprints and thrones to represent the Buddha.
- Direct human (anthropomorphic) images of the Buddha emerged around the turn of the common era.
- The change to anthropomorphic depictions reflected shifting beliefs about the Buddha's divinity and ritual focus.
The Seated Buddha with Two Attendants: Features
- Dating to c. 132 C.E. (Kushan period), this statue is carved from red sandstone.
- The Buddha sits cross-legged, right hand in abhaya mudra (gesture of protection), closed fist on left knee.
- Divine attributes (wheels on hands/feet, lotuses, ushnisha, urna) signify enlightenment.
- Elongated earlobes refer to the Buddha’s royal past.
- Attendants are shown smaller (hierarchic scale), holding fly-whisks, indicating service and reverence.
- The Buddha may have originally had a halo and celestial beings above.
Inscriptions and Dating
- Relief panel with wheel and attendants beneath the figure symbolizes the Buddha’s teachings.
- Sanskrit inscription records donation and dates the statue to the fourth year of Kushan King Kanishka’s reign (c. 132 C.E.).
- Such dated examples help scholars time-stamp similar artworks.
Gandhara and Mathura: Regional Variations
- Mathura (India) and Gandhara (Pakistan) were major centers for early Buddha imagery under Kushan rule.
- Gandhara Buddhas feature Greco-Roman (Hellenistic) elements: detailed drapery, hair, and facial features.
- Mathura Buddhas have frontal poses, smooth heads with kaparda hair, and monastic robes with one bare shoulder.
- The Mathura style may have drawn on indigenous yaksha figures (male fertility spirits) for inspiration.
Evolution of Buddha Images
- Later Mathura Buddhas (Gupta period) show softer features, robes with looped folds, and downward-looking eyes.
- Both Kushan and Gupta Mathura Buddhas set visual standards for later Buddhist art.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Aniconic — symbolic representation avoiding human form.
- Anthropomorphic — human-like representation.
- Ushnisha — cranial bump symbolizing wisdom.
- Urna — auspicious mark on the forehead.
- Abhaya mudra — hand gesture of fearlessness and protection.
- Yaksha — male fertility spirit in Indian art.
- Hierarchic scaling — using size to reflect importance in art.
- Kushan Empire — Central Asian dynasty ruling northern India and beyond (c. 1st–3rd centuries C.E.).
- Kaparda — braided and coiled hairstyle.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review images comparing Mathura and Gandhara Buddha sculptures.
- Read about yaksha and bodhisattva figures for background on iconographic influences.
- Study changes in Buddha depictions across Kushan and Gupta periods.