Consider the following statements regarding the Buddha Head from Taxila: 1. It belongs to the Kushana period. 2. It represents a purely indigenous style devoid of Hellenistic influence. 3. The face depicts a calm expression with half-closed eyes. Which of the statements given above are correct?

The correct option is 1 and 3 only. Explanation The Buddha Head from Taxila is a quintessential example of the Gandhara School of Art, which flourished in the North-Western frontier of the Indian subcontinent. This school is characterized by a fusion of Indian iconography with Greco-Roman artistic elements. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: The Buddha Head from Taxila dates back to the 2nd century CE, which falls within the Kushana period. The Kushana rulers, particularly Kanishka, were great patrons of the Gandhara School. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Gandhara style is not purely indigenous; it is often referred to as Greco-Buddhist art. It exhibits strong Hellenistic influences, such as wavy hair, sharp facial features (resembling Apollo), and heavy drapery with realistic folds. The Mathura School, conversely, represents a more indigenous style. - Statement 3 is Correct: The sculpture is renowned for its artistic refinement. The face depicts a calm, serene expression with half-closed eyes, symbolizing a state of deep meditation and spiritual internalization, which became a hallmark of Buddha figures in this period. Key Takeaway: The Gandhara School (Kushana period) is distinguished by its realistic anatomical details and Hellenistic influence, unlike the Mathura School, which focused on indigenous idealism and symbolism.

NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture — Chapter 4: Post-Mauryan Trends in Indian Art and Architecture

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Consider the following statements regarding the Buddha Head from Taxila:

It belongs to the Kushana period.
It represents a purely indigenous style devoid of Hellenistic influence.
The face depicts a calm expression with half-closed eyes.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1, 2 and 3
B1 and 3 only
C1 and 2 only
D2 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

The Buddha Head from Taxila is a quintessential example of the Gandhara School of Art, which flourished in the North-Western frontier of the Indian subcontinent. This school is characterized by a fusion of Indian iconography with Greco-Roman artistic elements.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The Buddha Head from Taxila dates back to the 2nd century CE, which falls within the Kushana period. The Kushana rulers, particularly Kanishka, were great patrons of the Gandhara School.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Gandhara style is not purely indigenous; it is often referred to as Greco-Buddhist art. It exhibits strong Hellenistic influences, such as wavy hair, sharp facial features (resembling Apollo), and heavy drapery with realistic folds. The Mathura School, conversely, represents a more indigenous style.
Statement 3 is Correct: The sculpture is renowned for its artistic refinement. The face depicts a calm, serene expression with half-closed eyes, symbolizing a state of deep meditation and spiritual internalization, which became a hallmark of Buddha figures in this period.

Key Takeaway:

The Gandhara School (Kushana period) is distinguished by its realistic anatomical details and Hellenistic influence, unlike the Mathura School, which focused on indigenous idealism and symbolism.

Your note

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The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The Buddha Head from Taxila dates back to the 2nd century CE, which falls within the Kushana period. The Kushana rulers, particularly Kanishka, were great patrons of the Gandhara School.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Gandhara style is not purely indigenous; it is often referred to as Greco-Buddhist art. It exhibits strong Hellenistic influences, such as wavy hair, sharp facial features (resembling Apollo), and heavy drapery with realistic folds. The Mathura School, conversely, represents a more indigenous style.
Statement 3 is Correct: The sculpture is renowned for its artistic refinement. The face depicts a calm, serene expression with half-closed eyes, symbolizing a state of deep meditation and spiritual internalization, which became a hallmark of Buddha figures in this period.

Key Takeaway: