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[Intro]
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[Indra]
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By far the most numerous references, textual
or material, before the 8th century to Vajrap€Ši are in the Gandhar€n
region. Before moving forward it is worth noting that what we are treating
here as Gandhar€n sculpture is a mix of stone works from various schools
within the major kingdoms (Bactria, KapiŹa, Gandh€ra, Sw€t). The remnants
of these great schools are spread across a varied geography and many of
the sculptures have been removed from their context prohibiting positive
identification in many cases.
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Indeed,
we must remember that
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"The prevalence of the Hellenized
model, which takes its name from the province of Gandh€ra in Pakistan
where it was first identified, has been somewhat overstated. A wide
range of stylistic variations exist, and some Buddha figures seem
to derive from the rigid, almost stern, frontal imagery seen at Syrian
sites like hatrra and palmyra." |
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These considerations aside, this was a significant period in the development of Buddhist art, as this was the period in which the Buddha emerged in an anthropomorphic form. These sculptures also witness the shift away from the depiction of J€taka tales, as is seen so readily at S€ńc… and B€rhut. Most importantly for our present study, this historical and geographic location witnessed Vajrap€Ši's rise to fame. Before these sculptures, he is virtually absent from the Buddhist landscape. Where one would expect to see him at S€ńc… or B€rhut he is absent; however, here in the Gandhar€n sculpture he is everywhere.
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