The correct option is Mathura.
Explanation
The archaeological site of Sanghol, located in the Fatehgarh Sahib district of Punjab, yielded a significant hoard of sculptures in 1985. These sculptures date back to the Kushana period (circa 1st to 3rd century CE).
Detailed Analysis:
- The sculptures found at Sanghol are crafted from spotted red sandstone. This specific material is the distinctive hallmark of the Mathura School of Art.
- Stylistically, the sculptures depict Yakshis (female nature spirits) on railing pillars in various postures, which is a dominant theme in Mathura art under Kushana patronage.
- The discovery at Sanghol is historically significant because it demonstrates that the Mathura art tradition was not confined to the Mathura region but had spread northwest into Punjab.
- Comparison with other options:
- Gandhara School: Primarily used grey schist or stucco and is characterized by Hellenistic (Greco-Roman) stylistic influence.
- Amaravati School: Flourished in the Krishna-Godavari valley and is distinguished by the use of white limestone (often called white marble).
- Sarnath School: Developed later during the Gupta period and typically utilized cream-colored sandstone with a focus on spiritual serenity and minimal ornamentation.
Key Takeaway: The Sanghol sculptures are a major extension of the Mathura School of Art, identified by their Kushana-era style and the use of spotted red sandstone.