The correct option is 2 and 3 only
Explanation
The Pala School of Art flourished in Eastern India (Bengal and Bihar) between the 8th and 12th centuries A.D. It is recognized as the earliest example of miniature painting in India, primarily associated with Vajrayana Buddhism. The art style was nurtured in the great Buddhist Mahaviharas (universities) such as Nalanda, Vikramshila, and Odantapuri.
Statement 1 is Incorrect:
The Gandhara School of Art flourished in North-Western India during the reign of the Kushanas (1st to 5th century A.D.), heavily influenced by Greco-Roman styles. In contrast, the Pala dynasty ruled much later, from the 8th to the 12th century A.D. The Pala style is distinct and evolved from the late Gupta style, focusing on bronze sculptures and palm-leaf paintings, not the stone sculpture traditions of Gandhara.
Statement 2 is Correct:
The Pala art style was closely linked to Buddhist patronage. In the first half of the 13th century, Muslim invasions led by Bakhtiyar Khilji resulted in the destruction of major Buddhist monasteries like Nalanda and Vikramshila. Since the art was primarily monastic, the destruction of these centers led to the abrupt decline of the Pala style in India, forcing monks and artists to flee to Nepal and Tibet.
Statement 3 is Correct:
Pala paintings are primarily found in the form of illustrated manuscripts executed on palm leaves. These manuscripts, such as the Ashtasahasrika Prajnaparamita, feature miniature paintings of Buddhist deities. The narrow, long shape of the palm leaf dictated the composition, limiting the vertical space available for the artwork.
Key Takeaway:
The Pala School represents the Eastern School of Miniature Painting. It is characterized by the use of palm leaves for manuscripts, sinuous lines, and a focus on Vajrayana Buddhist themes, ending with the destruction of Buddhist monasteries in the 13th century.