Which of the following features is characteristic of the Gandhara Buddha image? 1. Wavy hair with sharp and linear strokes. 2. Protruding eyeballs. 3. Oval face with a calm expression. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The correct option is 1 and 3 only Explanation The Gandhara School of Art, often referred to as the Greco-Indian School of Art, flourished in the North-Western part of the Indian subcontinent during the Kushana period. It is characterized by the fusion of Indian themes (Buddhism) with Hellenistic (Greek) and Roman artistic styles, emphasizing anatomical realism and physical beauty. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: The Gandhara Buddha is renowned for its realistic portrayal of physical features. A distinct characteristic is the wavy hair depicted with sharp and linear strokes, resembling the hair of Greek gods like Apollo. This contrasts with the curly (snail-shell) hair often seen in the Mathura and Gupta styles. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Protruding eyeballs are not a feature of the Gandhara style. Instead, Gandhara images typically depict the Buddha with half-closed eyes, symbolizing a state of deep meditation and spiritual calm. Protruding or wide-open eyes are more characteristic of the early Mathura style, which was influenced by Yaksha figures. - Statement 3 is Correct: The facial structure in Gandhara art is modeled on classical Greek aesthetics. The Buddha is depicted with an oval face and a calm, serene expression, highlighting a sense of spiritual detachment and beauty. Key Takeaway: The Gandhara School is distinguished by its Greco-Roman influence, featuring realistic anatomy, wavy hair, heavy drapery with thick folds, and a meditative expression with half-closed eyes.

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

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Which of the following features is characteristic of the Gandhara Buddha image?

Wavy hair with sharp and linear strokes.
Protruding eyeballs.
Oval face with a calm expression.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 3 only
B1 and 2 only
C2 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 1 and 3 only

Explanation

The Gandhara School of Art, often referred to as the Greco-Indian School of Art, flourished in the North-Western part of the Indian subcontinent during the Kushana period. It is characterized by the fusion of Indian themes (Buddhism) with Hellenistic (Greek) and Roman artistic styles, emphasizing anatomical realism and physical beauty.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: The Gandhara Buddha is renowned for its realistic portrayal of physical features. A distinct characteristic is the wavy hair depicted with sharp and linear strokes, resembling the hair of Greek gods like Apollo. This contrasts with the curly (snail-shell) hair often seen in the Mathura and Gupta styles.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Protruding eyeballs are not a feature of the Gandhara style. Instead, Gandhara images typically depict the Buddha with half-closed eyes, symbolizing a state of deep meditation and spiritual calm. Protruding or wide-open eyes are more characteristic of the early Mathura style, which was influenced by Yaksha figures.
Statement 3 is Correct: The facial structure in Gandhara art is modeled on classical Greek aesthetics. The Buddha is depicted with an oval face and a calm, serene expression, highlighting a sense of spiritual detachment and beauty.

Key Takeaway: The Gandhara School is distinguished by its Greco-Roman influence, featuring realistic anatomy, wavy hair, heavy drapery with thick folds, and a meditative expression with half-closed eyes.

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More from Chapter 4: Post-Mauryan Trends in Indian Art and Architecture

Match the following Narratives with the Site where they are depicted: Narrative | Site 1. Queen Mayadevi’s Dream | Bharhut 2. Siege of Kushinara | Sanchi 3. Mara Vijaya | Ajanta 4. Ravana Shaking Mount Kailash | Ellora Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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Match the following Rulers/Dynasties with the regions they controlled in the post-Mauryan period: 1. Shungas : North and Central India 2. Satvahanas : Southern and Western India 3. Ikshavakus : Southern and Western India 4. Kushanas : North India Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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Which technique was used for the paintings at Bagh Caves? 1. The ground was prepared with reddish-brown gritty mud plaster. 2. Lime-priming was strictly avoided. 3. The paintings are executed in the true fresco technique. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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The term 'Ushanisha' in the context of Buddha images refers to:

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The rock-cut cave at Kondivite in Maharashtra represents which unique architectural form?

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The correct option is 1 and 3 only

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: The Gandhara Buddha is renowned for its realistic portrayal of physical features. A distinct characteristic is the wavy hair depicted with sharp and linear strokes, resembling the hair of Greek gods like Apollo. This contrasts with the curly (snail-shell) hair often seen in the Mathura and Gupta styles.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Protruding eyeballs are not a feature of the Gandhara style. Instead, Gandhara images typically depict the Buddha with half-closed eyes, symbolizing a state of deep meditation and spiritual calm. Protruding or wide-open eyes are more characteristic of the early Mathura style, which was influenced by Yaksha figures.
Statement 3 is Correct: The facial structure in Gandhara art is modeled on classical Greek aesthetics. The Buddha is depicted with an oval face and a calm, serene expression, highlighting a sense of spiritual detachment and beauty.