It has been argued that the most influential contribution of Gandhara (modern Pakistan and southern Afghanistan) was its role in the creation of several works of art centered around Buddhist themes, including the first known depictions of the Buddha in human form. However, the Gandharan artists also drew a great amount of inspiration from the traditions of the Greco-Roman world, borrowing Hellenistic designs and mythological figures to tell the story of the Buddha in often powerful ways. Dr. Osmund Bopearachchi, a professor of South Asian history and author of numerous works on India from Alexander the Great through the Kushan Empire, presents a series of examples to not only give context to the Gandharan school within the artistic history of India, but also their ability to adapt many cultural influences to create something wholly original.

Episode Notes:

(https://hellenisticagepodcast.wordpress.com/2022/09/03/interview-greco-indian-and-buddhist-art-of-gandhara-with-dr-osmund-bopearachchi/)

Visual Aid PDF

(https://hellenisticagepodcast.files.wordpress.com/2022/09/interview-greco-indian-and-buddhist-art-of-gandhara-with-osmund-bopearachchi-visual-aid-hellenistic-age-podcast.pdf)

Dr. Osmund Bopearachchi:

Website (https://www.osmund-bopearachchi.com/)

Social Media:

Twitter (https://twitter.com/HellenisticPod)

Facebook (www.facebook.com/hellenisticagepodcast/)

Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/hellenistic_age_podcast/)

Twitch (https://www.twitch.tv/hellenisticagepodcast)

Show Merchandise:

Etsy (https://www.etsy.com/shop/HellenisticAgePod)

Redbubble (https://www.redbubble.com/people/HellenisticPod/shop?asc=u)

Donations:

Ko-Fi (https://ko-fi.com/hellenisticagepodcast)

Amazon Book Wish List (https://tinyurl.com/vfw6ask)