Greek Art and Roman Art

There exists some difference between Greek and

Roman styles and Gandhara School integrates both the
styles. The idealistic style of Greeks is reflected in the
muscular depictions of Gods and other men showing
strength and beauty. Lots of Greek mythological
figures from the Greek Parthenon have been sculpted
using marble.
On the other hand, Romans used art for ornamentation
and decoration and is realistic in nature as opposed to
Greek idealism. The Roman art projects realism and
depicts real people and major historical events. The
Romans used concrete in their sculptures. They were
also famous for their mural paintings.
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Fig. 1.14: Buddha in Greco-Roman style and a Roman
Portraiture points out the similarities.
VARIOUS MUDRAS RELATED TO BUDDHA
Bhumisparsha Mudra
One of the most common Mudras found in statues of Buddha.
It depicts the Buddha sitting in meditation with his left hand,
palm upright, in his lap, and his right hand touching the earth.
This mudra is commonly associated with the blue Buddha known
as Akshobya.
Significance: ‘Calling the Earth to Witness the Truth’ Mudra, and
it represents the moment of Buddha’s attaining enlightenment.
Dhyana Mudra
Indicates Meditation and is also called ‘Samadhi’ or ‘Yoga’
Mudra.
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It depicts Buddha with both the hands in the lap, with the back of
the right hand resting on the palm of the left hand with fingers
extended. In many statues the thumbs of both hands are shown
touching at the tips, thus forming a mystic triangle.
It signifies attainment of spiritual perfection.
This Mudra was used by Buddha during the final meditation
under the bodhi tree.
Vitarka Mudra
It indicates teaching and discussion or intellectual debate.
The tips of the thumb and index finger touch each other, forming
a circle. The right hand is positioned at shoulder level and the left
hand at the hip level, in the lap, with palm facing upwards.
It signifies the teaching phase of preaching in Buddhism. The
circle formed by the thumb and index finger maintains the
constant flow of energy, as there is no beginning or end, only
perfection.
Abhaya Mudra
It indicates fearlessness.
The right hand is raised to shoulder height with arm bent. The
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palm of the right hand faces outwards and the fingers are upright
and joined. The left hand hangs downwards by the side of the
body.
This gesture was shown by Buddha immediately after attaining
enlightenment.
It symbolizes strength and inner security. It is a gesture which
instills a sense of fearlessness to others as well.
Dharmachakra Mudra
It means ‘Turning the Wheel of the Dharma or Law’, i.e., setting
into motion the wheel of Dharma
This Mudra involves both hands.
The right hand is held at chest level with the palm facing
outwards. A mystic circle is formed by joining the tips of the
index finger and the thumb. The left hand is turned inward and
the index finger and thumb of this hand join to touch the right
hand’s circle.
This gesture was exhibited by Lord Buddha while he preached
the first sermon to a companion after his enlightenment in the
Deer Park of Sarnath.
Anjali Mudra
Greetings, devotion, and adoration.
Both hands close to the chest, palms and fingers joined against
each other vertically.
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It is common gesture used in India to greet people (Namaste). It
signifies adoration of the superior and considered a sign of
regards with deep respect.
It is believed that true Buddhas (those who are enlightened) do
not make this hand gesture and this gesture should not be shown
in Buddha statues. This is for Bodhisattvas (who aim and prepare
to attain perfect knowledge).
Uttarabodhi Mudra
It means supreme enlightenment.
Holding both hands at the level of the chest, intertwining all the
fingers except index fingers, extending index fingers straight up
and touching each other.
This Mudra is known for charging one with energy. It symbolises
perfection.
Shakyamuni Buddha, the liberator of Nagas, presents this Mudra.
Varada Mudra
It indicates charity, compassion or granting wishes.
The right arm is extended in a natural position all the way down,
with the palm of the open hand facing outwards towards
onlookers. If standing, the arm is held slightly extended to the
front. Can be a left-hand gesture as well.
This Mudra signifies five perfections: Generosity, Morality,
Patience, Effort and Meditative Concentration, through the five
extended fingers.
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Karana Mudra
It indicates warding off evil.
Hand is stretched out, either horizontally or vertically, with the
palm forward. The thumb presses the folded two middle fingers
but the index and little fingers are raised straight upwards.
It signifies expelling demons and negative energy. The energy
created by this Mudra helps remove obstacles such as sickness or
negative thoughts.
Vajra Mudra
It indicates knowledge.
This mudra is better known in Korea and Japan.
In this mudra, the erect forefinger of the left hand is held in the
fist of the right hand. It is seen in the mirror-inverted form also.
This mudra signifies the importance of knowledge or supreme
wisdom. Knowledge is represented by the forefinger and the fist
of the right hand protects it.
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Gupta Age
The emergence of the Gupta Empire in 4th century A.D. is often
hailed as the “Golden period of Indian Architecture”. While the
earlier Gupta rulers were Buddhists and continued the traditions of
Buddhist architecture, temple architecture came to the fore front
under the patronage of the Hindu rulers of the later Gupta phase.
Temple architecture reached its climax during this period. Similarly,
Buddhist and Jain art also reached its peak during the Gupta Age.
The Gupta rulers, especially in the later phase, were Brahmanical
rulers. However, they showed exemplary tolerance for all other
religions. Three principal deities were worshipped – Vishnu in the
Northern and Central part of India, Shiva in the Southern part and
Shakti in the Eastern part of India as well as in the Malabar coast or
South-west part of India.
Architecture
Caves:
During the Gupta period, architectural development of
the caves remained constant. However, the use of
mural paintings on the walls of the caves became an
added feature. Some of the finest examples of mural
paintings can be found in the caves of Ajanta and
Ellora.