Images of Dāna in Gandhāra

Abstract

This paper draws on the Buddhist narrative panels from the legend of the Buddha’s life in the Gandhāran Art. Dāna is a Pali word that connotes the virtue of generosity; and it played pivotal role in putting structure of Buddhism. Dāna is one of the important virtues in putting strength to material aspect of Indian religions namely Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism, The spread of Buddhist tradition and monastic art from India to Gandhāra and Central Asia played a vital role in the propagation of Buddhism as a world religion. A distinctive feature of the Kusānas resulted in a sustained patronage of Buddhist monasteries through art and architecture. Gandhāran art has more narrative reliefs as compared to Mathurā school of art especially to show the visuals of Dāna. This paper springs from my research and field work which examine cross cultural assimilation and change of the artistic tradition of Gandhāra as well as the interpretation of Buddhist panels via connecting the visuals with the Buddhist literature.