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.