Classification and Analysis of the Decorative Motifs in the Panels of Gandhara Art

Abstract

Swat valley is blessed due to its prime location and sceneries, hence the history of this valley dates back from proto historic to historical phase. This land is sacred for Buddhists as, Swat is considered the birth place of ‘Padmasambhava’ (second Buddha). Several dynasties ruled over this area and left their impacts over the society and people. The influences and foreign impacts can be easily seen through their art. The core study of the research is Gandhara Art, specifically targeting the motifs. Motifs enhance the beauty and aesthetics but on the other hand several motifs were used as a symbolic representation in Gandharan Art, like Lotus and pipal/peepal. This study is an effort to find out whether the motifs studied in this research are decorative or symbolic representations. Some of the motifs were used symbolically in ancient era but over the centuries converted into decorative motifs. Analytical approach and comparative study of the motifs with world arts has been used to study these motifs.