Buddhist Art in Central Asia

Sumanapl Bhikkhu

 

Central Asia remained the connecting link between the East' and the West from time immemorial. That is why this region has played a very important role in the in the cultural, historical and religious history of its people. In our present discussion we shall concentrate on the Buddhist artistic tradition and art objects found in this area again by the term 'Buddhist art' we mean the art objects created on the Buddhist theme and by the Buddhists only. In this article we shall consider three types of Buddhist art namely painting, sculpture and architecture. 

 

The Buddhist paintings of central Asia can be divided into two groups i.e., the paintings of local Buddhist artists and paintings by artists from India, Iran, Hellenistic Orient and China. It may be mentioned in this connection that although the painters of various origins and of various tradition influence each other, the Indian Buddhist tradition is considered to be authentic. But Central Asia was an area where the finer materials are all together lacking. The stone found there was of such inferior texture that only huge statues may roughly be carved on the rock itself; in order to use soil it had to be combined with wood 

 

About the paintings found in Central Asia we may mention that during an excavation in Type Marenjan near Kabul a painted statue of Bodhisattva under a niche of the monastery which was completely concealed by a supporting wall was discovered. J. Hackin opines that 'the face with eyes half closed, very elongated, and of very pronounced opthalmia, shows a marked Indianization." The figure of Bodhisattva in a seated posture is another interesting discovery. About the Buddhist paintings of some countries of ancient Cenral Asia we find that the discovery of the wall paintings at Balalik Type are more or less contemporary with the earliest paintings of Tun Huang. Some features like the ornamental motifs on garments, the crowns with veils and bells are the result of Sassanian influence. But in spirit and style they were independent. 

 

The art form of architecture was very important in fashioning the cultural life of central Asia In this sector Central Asia was influenced by India. Here we find a representation of Buddhist themes, illustrations from the life o the Buddha and from the Jataka tales. and iconography likewise remains for the most part identical with those of India. The Buddhist architecture of Afghanistan is principally influenced by Indian art, but the stupas which were of parasol form, where the plinth was divided into pagoda like sections are not exactly of the Gandhara type. 

 

At Bamiyan a large number of small caves have been hewn out at various levels extending for some two kilometres. These caves were linked by internal corridors and flight of stairs, and monks used to assemble there for meeting from the perspective of architecture their importance was immense. The architecture found in these caves of Bamyan also represent a blend of the Sassanian and Gupta styles The lantern roof of the Buddhist architecture offers a peculiar attraction for the visitor. The beams are placed diagonally across the square in successive tiers of diminishing dimensions. Such a technique is also common to many Indian temples. 

 

The paintings found in the ancient city of Khotan were created from the middle of the sixth century to the end of the eighth century A.D. The painters did their work on the walls of the temples or on the takhtis made of wood that acted as the base of the image of gods and goddesses. Though the subject matter of the paintings were primarily taken from Mahayana Buddhism popular Bramhanical deities like Mahesa, Ganesa, and Surya also figure in the paintings. 

 

The paintings found in the ancient city of Kucha were he product of two distinct phases. The first phase developed around 500 A. C., and it and shows strong Indo-Iranian influence. The second phase which reached its zenith during 600- 650 A.D. exhibited mainly Iranian influence.

 

There was also a phase transition which appeared at the second half of the sixth century A D. and besides this there is a distinct Chinese influence found in two of the Kumtura caves. The later artistic style of Kucha was later influenced by this. Two of the principal characteristics of Kuchean art was a very sophisticated touch of drawing and the use of colour in a decorative manner. 

 

The cave paintings of Kijil situated in this area of Central Asia were created in a style that remind the visitors the style of the Ajanta caves. Of these paintings we may mention the mural of 'Gopala with cows.'

 

The artistic form of architecture was also very important in Central Asia. In this area the Buddhists artists built countless number of stupas, monasteries and temples that gave religious minded people an opportunity to congregate. The Indian and Gandharan art form influenced the architectural style of Central Asia to great extent. Centres like Bamiyan and Hedda were important places for this kind of impact. Hedda was a site situated at a distance of 8 kilometres from Jalalabad.

 

Here there is an old stupa named Tappa Kalan and a vihara called Nagarvihara. Hadda was excavated twice (once in 1925 and then in 1928) by J J. Barthoux and during these excavations.

 

the remains of a big city with many stupas and thousands of stucco sculptures were found. At Bamiyan a large number of small caves were found and they stretched within a radius of two kilometers. They are connected by internal corridors and flights of steps and served as a chapel or a randenvous for monks. 

 

In sculpture the artistic sensibility of the people of Central Asia found expression also. In this regard we may mention the names of Bamiyan and Kijil. In Kijil the Indian and Iranian elements meet and are exhibited in the repetition of the old themes provide d by Bamiyan.