Question

With reference to progress in art and architecture during and after the Gupta period, describe the following:

Characteristic features of sculpture of this period.

Answer 1

The sculpture of Gupta period has the following distinctive
features:

1. It evolved through two main schools of art - of Mathura and Sarnath. Pataliputra also emerged as an important school.
2. It was wholly Indian and free from foreign influence.
3. Spirituality formed the background.
4. For the first time, Indian artists paid detailed attention to drapery, both plain or folded.
5.  In the earlier period halo (the circle of light surrounding the head of a deity) was plain but now it was marked by graceful ornamentation.
6. Gupta art also differed from earlier schools of art in respect of the representation of Buddha in a variety of mudras (poses).
7. Buddha is shown with curly hair instead of clean-shaven head shown by Gandhara artists.