Which school of Indian art is also known as the Greco Roman Buddhist school because of its blend of Indian and Hellenistic styles?

Introduction / Context:
The study of Indian art history includes several important regional schools that developed distinctive styles of sculpture and iconography. One of these schools is famous for combining Indian Buddhist themes with strong Greco Roman artistic influence, leading to the label Greco Roman Buddhist art. Knowing which school had this blended style helps students understand cultural interactions between India and the Hellenistic world following the campaigns of Alexander and subsequent contacts.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks which school of Indian art is also known as the Greco Roman Buddhist school.
• It highlights the blend of Indian and Hellenistic styles.
• Options list several art schools or periods, including Gandhara and Mathura.
• Only one school is consistently described in art history as Greco Roman Buddhist.

Concept / Approach:
The Gandhara school of art arose in the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent, in areas that are now parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan. It developed under Kushana patronage and shows clear influence of Hellenistic and Roman sculpture, especially in the realistic drapery, curly hair, and physical features of Buddha images. Because of this mixture, it is often called the Greco Roman Buddhist school. By recalling this unique combination, students can identify Gandhara as the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Gandhara art developed in regions such as present day Peshawar and Taxila under Kushana rulers. Step 2: Remember that this art used stucco, schist, and other materials to create realistic sculptures with strong influence from Greek and Roman styles. Step 3: Note that Buddha figures in Gandhara art often show wavy hair, detailed drapery, and naturalistic body proportions, all reminiscent of classical Western sculpture. Step 4: Recognise that because of this mixture of Hellenistic and Buddhist elements, Gandhara is often described as Greco Roman Buddhist art. Step 5: From the options, select Gandhara and reject schools that do not have this specific label.

Verification / Alternative check:
Art history textbooks and exam preparation guides on Indian culture explicitly describe the Gandhara school as being influenced by Greco Roman art. They highlight its location near ancient trade routes and the legacy of Greek kingdoms in the region as key reasons for this fusion. In contrast, other schools such as Mathura or Gupta are associated with more indigenous Indian stylistic developments. This repeated emphasis on Gandhara as Greco Roman Buddhist art confirms the answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The Mauryan art tradition is known for polished stone pillars and early sculpture but does not display the strong Greco Roman influence of Gandhara. The Shunga period is associated with reliefs and railings at sites like Bharhut and Sanchi, emphasising more indigenous stylistic features. Gupta art is described as a classical Indian style with spiritual expression rather than a Greco Roman blend. The Mathura school, although important for early images of Buddha and Jain Tirthankaras, is considered more purely Indian in style. None of these are labelled Greco Roman Buddhist in the way Gandhara is.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may confuse Gandhara with Mathura because both are important for Buddhist sculpture, or they may incorrectly think that all early Buddhist art had similar foreign influence. Others might choose Gupta because it is called a classical age, misinterpreting classical as Greco Roman. To avoid such errors, learners should clearly associate Gandhara with Greco Roman Buddhist art and Mathura with an indigenous Indian style, revising a simple comparison table between these schools.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is Gandhara.