Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
1. Gandhara School encapsulates foreign techniques and Hellenistic spirit of realism which is evident in its art. Elucidate. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question: The Bamiya Buddha statues, hewn from sandstone cliffs, are said to have dated back to the 5th century AD, and were once the tallest standing Buddhas in the world. As the Taliban talk of preserving the site of Mes Aynak, recalling the Bamiyan Buddhas and their destruction.
Key Demand of the question: To write about the various influences on Gandhara school of art.
Directive word:
Elucidate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by mentioning about the development of sculpture and the emergence of Gandhara school of art.
Body:
Write in detail about the features of Gandhara school of art – The regions they covered, the patronage, the important characteristics of their sculpture, the material they used and type of images produced.
Next, in detail write about the various Greek and Roman influences on them. Substantiate with examples the various nature of influences.
Conclusion:
Conclude by Summarising.
