Discovering Kushana Statues in India

The question asks about the location near which significant large statues of Kushana rulers were found in India. The Kushana Empire was a major power in ancient India, known for its patronage of art and architecture, particularly during the reign of rulers like Kanishka.

Kushana Art and Sculpture

The Kushana period saw the development of distinct art schools, notably the Gandhara school and the Mathura school. Both schools produced significant sculptures, including images of the Buddha and various deities, as well as portraits of the rulers themselves.

Mathura: A Center of Kushana Sculpture

Mathura, located in present-day Uttar Pradesh, was one of the two major capitals of the Kushana Empire (the other being Purushapura, modern Peshawar). Mathura was a thriving artistic center under the Kushanas. Excavations in and around Mathura have yielded a wealth of sculptures reflecting the style and themes of the Mathura school of art.

Notably, a large number of sculptures depicting Kushana rulers, including life-size or near-life-size statues, have been discovered in the vicinity of Mathura. A famous example is the headless statue of Kanishka found at Mat near Mathura, bearing an inscription identifying him.

Analyzing the Options

Let's consider the given options:

• Karnal: Karnal is a city in Haryana. While it has historical significance, it is not primarily known as a major site for the discovery of large Kushana ruler statues compared to Mathura.
• Ropar: Ropar (now Rupnagar) is in Punjab. It is known for Indus Valley Civilization sites and other historical periods, but not particularly for large Kushana ruler statues.
• Hisar: Hisar is in Haryana. It has historical sites from various periods, but it is not as prominent as Mathura for the discovery of Kushana royal portraiture.
• Mathura: As discussed, Mathura was a key capital and artistic hub of the Kushanas. The discovery of large statues and portraits of Kushana rulers is a significant archaeological finding associated with this region.

Based on historical and archaeological evidence, Mathura is the city near which large statues of Kushana rulers have been most famously discovered.

Conclusion

The large statues of Kushana rulers were discovered near Mathura.

Revision Table: Kushana Discovery Sites

Additional Information on Kushana Period and Mathura Art

The Kushana period (roughly 1st to 3rd century CE) is considered a golden age for sculpture in India. The Mathura school of art is characterized by:

• Use of red sandstone.
• Indigenous Indian style, though influenced by earlier traditions.
• Sensuous figures with transparent drapery.
• Production of images of various religions: Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism.
• Creation of royal portraits, including impressive statues of the rulers themselves, which provide valuable insights into their appearance and regalia. These royal portraits were often found in shrines (like the one at Mat) dedicated to the imperial cult.

These discoveries near Mathura are crucial for understanding the political history, artistic developments, and religious practices during the Kushana rule.