Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
2. Explain the salient features of Gandhara, Mathura and Amravati schools of art. Do you think the works of these ancient schools are only religious in nature? (250 words)
Reference: Indian art and culture by Nitin Singhania.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about features of the three major schools of ancient art and to comment on the nature of the art.
Directive:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context. You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by mentioning about the development of sculpture and the emergence of the three schools of art.
Body:
Write in detail about the features of Gandhara, Mathura and Amravati schools of art. The regions they covered, the patronage, the important characteristics of their sculpture, the material they used, influences on them and type of images produced.
Next, comment further on the type of images produced. In detail mention about the nature of predominance of religious art but there are evidences of secular art especially images of natural motifs, various patterns of life etc. Cite examples to substantiate your points.
Conclusion:
Conclude by stressing although it was predominated by religious symbols especially Buddhism but secular art was also produced
