Several images of Bodhisattva ......................... have been found in Gandhara art.

The correct answer is - Maitreya

Key Points

• Maitreya
  • Maitreya is the name of the future Buddha who is believed to appear on Earth to achieve complete enlightenment and teach the Dharma.
  • The depiction of Maitreya as a Bodhisattva is a prominent feature in Gandhara art, which flourished in the region that is now modern-day Pakistan and Afghanistan.
  • In Gandhara art, Maitreya is often shown as a richly adorned figure, holding a water flask (kundika) in his left hand, symbolizing purity.
  • These images are typically carved in stone or created as reliefs on stupas and monasteries, showcasing the fusion of Greco-Roman and Indian artistic influences.

Additional Information

• Gandhara Art
  • Gandhara art refers to the style of Buddhist visual art that developed between the 1st century BCE and 7th century CE in the Gandhara region.
  • It is particularly noted for the fusion of Hellenistic (Greek) and Indian cultural elements, resulting in lifelike sculptures and reliefs.
  • The art typically focuses on Buddhist themes, including depictions of the Buddha, Bodhisattvas like Maitreya, and scenes from the Jataka tales.
• Other Bodhisattvas in Gandhara Art
  • Manjushri: Bodhisattva of wisdom, but his images are relatively rare in Gandhara art.
  • Samantabhadra: A Bodhisattva associated with meditation and practice, more common in later Buddhist traditions.
  • Akashagarbha: A Bodhisattva associated with space and the infinite, but not prominently depicted in Gandhara art.
• Significance of Bodhisattvas in Buddhism
  • Bodhisattvas are individuals who aspire to attain enlightenment (Buddhahood) but delay their own liberation to help others achieve it.
  • Their images in art serve as a source of inspiration and devotion for practitioners of the Buddhist faith.