SSC Selection Post 2025 PYQ — Question 20

Correct Answer

Red sandstone

Explanation

The Mathura school of art, which flourished and reached its peak during the Kushana period from the 1st century AD to the 3rd century AD, is globally recognized for its distinct choice of material. Sculptors of this indigenous school almost exclusively used spotted red sandstone sourced from local quarries in and around Sikri, Rupbas, and Mathura.

This specific variety of red sandstone, often speckled with small white spots or streaks, allowed artists to carve intricate details while providing a vibrant and unique hue to the religious figures of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. The availability of this material locally in the plains of Uttar Pradesh contributed significantly to the continuous and large-scale production of icons, establishing Mathura as one of the primary sculpting workshops of ancient India.

Key Points

The Gandhara school of art, which flourished around the same time in the northwestern frontier, primarily used bluish-grey schist stone and later stucco for its Greco-Roman style sculptures.

White marble was extensively used centuries later during the medieval period, famously chosen by the Mughals for architectural marvels like the Taj Mahal and by Jain artisans for the Dilwara Temples.

Bronze casting in ancient India reached its undisputed artistic height under the Chola dynasty in South India during the medieval period, famous for creating the iconic Nataraja statues.

Important Questions and Answers

Question: Which major royal dynasty heavily patronized and supported the growth of the Mathura school of art?

Answer: The Kushana Empire, particularly under rulers like King Kanishka, provided extensive royal patronage to this art style.

Question: What unique physical trait characterizes the stone material used in Mathura sculptures compared to other regional styles?

Answer: The material is a spotted red sandstone, containing natural cream or white-colored spots within its texture.