Sculptures of Mathura and Sarnath

Mathura and Sarnath were the two most important art schools of the Northern India. The creative sculptors of both the centers gave a new dimension to the whole conception of India art. There are several common denominations between these two great schools of sculptural art. Both had a rich religious and cultural background. Both were indigenous in their origin. Both aimed at discovering the higher values and ideas to achieve the super mundane goal or the divine bliss. Another striking feature of both the schools in the rich variety of art forums. There are, of course, a number of individual characteristics. The present work representing the Ph.D. thesis of the author is the first serious attempt to present a comparative study of sculptural art of Mathura and Sarnath in requisite details. An attempt has been made to make a comparative estimation of the images of Buddha and Bodhisattva and narrative theme as produced at both the centers in a chronological sequence dating from mauryan period to the Gupta period. The author has made maiden attempt to evaluate the role of clientele in art activities and has also discussed the technique of work. Besides, interrelationships and contrasts between the Mathura and Sarnath schools of art and distinctive features of each has been illustrated by a number of photographs and line drawings.