The long reach of Hellenistic influence is nowhere more dramatically evident than in ancient India. Greeks ruled there only intermittently, first under Alexander, then again a century later. But in Gan-dhara—a region now in Pakistan and Afghanistan —a school of religious art arose that was Hellenistic in technique and style. It flourished for about seven centuries. It is possible that the first representation of the Lord Buddha in human form arose in this school. It was a figure like the one opposite, modeled on the Greek god Apollo. Earlier Buddhists thought it repugnant to depict the Buddha, but soon the Buddha's image was embedded in the religion.
HANDMAIDENSOFTHE QUEEN III a Candharan carving are in attendance at the birth of the Buddha. The modeling of the costumes echoes the skillful handling of draperies by Greek sculptors.
A HEAD OF BUDDHA, made in Candhara, is a modified head of Apollo topped by the bump traditionally said to contain the Buddha’s special brain. The bump is covered with a topknot.
A SHATTERED ATHENA, the proud patron of the most civilized aspects of Creek life, lies on the ground (left). The work, which was discovered at Side in southern Turkey, was part of a Hellenistic theater's decoration.
INTACT COLUMNS of the ruined Temple of the Olympian Zeus in Athens, the largest Hellenistic shrine built in European Greece, stand today as soaring testaments to the aspiration that filled the hearts of Creeks.
World History
