Gandhara art, a distinctive style of Buddhist visual art that developed between the 1st century BCE and the 7th century CE, flourished largely during the rule of which dynasty?

Introduction / Context:
This question relates to ancient Indian and Central Asian art history. Gandhara art is famous for its unique blend of Indian Buddhist themes with Greco-Roman artistic influence, especially in the realistic sculpting of the Buddha and bodhisattvas. It developed in the northwestern regions that now cover parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan. To answer the question, you need to know during which dynasty this artistic style reached its peak.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The art style mentioned is Gandhara art.
- It is described as a Buddhist visual art form between the 1st century BCE and 7th century CE.
- The options list several dynasties: Kushan, Gupta, Pallava, Maurya and Satavahana.
- We assume familiarity with the approximate time periods of these dynasties and their cultural contributions.

Concept / Approach:
Gandhara art flourished especially under the Kushan dynasty, whose empire included the Gandhara region. King Kanishka in particular is remembered as a great patron of Buddhism and Buddhist art. Under the Kushans, sculptors produced remarkable images of the Buddha with Hellenistic features such as draped robes and realistic body proportions. While later dynasties like the Guptas also fostered important art styles, the specific Gandhara school is mainly linked with the Kushan period in the northwest.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Gandhara was located in the northwestern part of the Indian cultural sphere, near today s Pakistan and Afghanistan. Step 2: Remember that the Kushan empire, with rulers like Kanishka, controlled this region and patronised Buddhism and Buddhist art. Step 3: Understand that Gandhara sculptures of the Buddha show a mixture of Indian religious ideas and Greco-Roman artistic techniques. Step 4: Note that the Gupta dynasty is more closely linked with the classical Indian style of art centred around Sarnath and Mathura, not Gandhara. Step 5: Therefore, select the Kushan dynasty as the correct answer for the period when Gandhara art flourished.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, think of how culture chapters in history books are organised. Gandhara art is typically discussed in connection with the Kushan empire and Kanishka, while Gupta art is treated separately as a golden age with its own distinctive style. The Maurya dynasty is associated with Ashokan pillars and polished stone sculptures, not with the Greco-Buddhist Gandhara style. This clear grouping of topics strongly confirms that Gandhara art flourished during the Kushan dynasty.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Gupta dynasty: Known for its own classical style of art and sculpture, especially at Sarnath and Mathura, but not for the Greco-Buddhist Gandhara school.
Pallava dynasty: A south Indian dynasty associated with rock cut temples and sculptures at Mahabalipuram, far from the Gandhara region.
Maurya dynasty: Linked with Ashokan pillars, stupas and polished stone sculptures, which predate the Gandhara style.
Satavahana dynasty: A Deccan based dynasty that supported Buddhist monuments in western and central India, but not the Gandhara school in the northwest.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes pick the Gupta dynasty whenever they see the words classical art or golden age, forgetting that Gandhara is a geographically and stylistically different school. Another pitfall is to lump all Buddhist art together and assume it belongs to a single dynasty. Keeping a simple association—Gandhara with Kushans and northwestern region, Gupta art with Ganga valley and classical Indian style—helps you quickly choose the correct dynasty for Gandhara art.

Final Answer:
Gandhara art flourished largely under the Kushan dynasty.