Discovery of Kushana Sculptures

The Kushana Empire (c. 30–375 CE) was a major power that ruled over a large territory encompassing parts of modern-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India. This period is significant for its artistic output, particularly in sculpture.

Key Centers of Kushana Art

During the Kushana period, two major schools of art flourished: the Gandhara school and the Mathura school. Both produced a vast number of sculptures, often depicting Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain themes, as well as portraits of rulers and scenes of daily life.

• Gandhara School: Developed in the Gandhara region (present-day northwestern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan). It was heavily influenced by Greco-Roman art, particularly in the depiction of human forms and drapery. Taxila and Peshawar were important centers for this school.
• Mathura School: Developed in and around Mathura (present-day Uttar Pradesh, India). It had indigenous origins and was characterized by its red sandstone material and a distinct style that was more earthy and vigorous compared to Gandhara art.

Why Mathura?

While significant findings have been made in Gandhara sites like Taxila and Peshawar, Mathura emerged as a prolific center of artistic production during the Kushana era. A very large number of Kushana sculptures made of speckled red sandstone have been excavated from Mathura and surrounding areas.

The sheer volume of sculptural remains found in Mathura suggests it was a principal workshop and religious center, catering to various faiths. The sculptures found here range from Buddha images and Bodhisattvas to Hindu deities and portraits of Kushana emperors like Kanishka.

Comparing the sites mentioned in the options:

Based on extensive archaeological excavations, Mathura has yielded the majority of Kushana sculptures compared to the other listed sites, especially considering the distinct Mathura style sculptures made from local red sandstone.

Therefore, most of the Kushana sculptures have been discovered at Mathura.