---
title: "Mathura School of Art: UPSC GS1 Notes | Model Diplomat"
description: "The Mathura School of Art was an indigenous Indian sculpture tradition in red sandstone that peaked under the Kushanas. See how it differs from Gandhara art."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/mathura-school-of-art"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Mathura School of Art was an indigenous Indian sculptural tradition centred on Mathura that flourished from the first century BCE to the sixth century CE, working primarily in red sandstone.
- How is the Mathura School distinguished from the Gandhara School?
- Did the Mathura School create the first image of the Buddha?
- Which dynasties patronised the Mathura School?
- Was the Mathura School exclusively Buddhist?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

The Mathura School of Art was an indigenous Indian sculptural tradition centred on Mathura that flourished from the first century BCE to the sixth century CE, working primarily in red sandstone.

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In Kanishka's third regnal year, the monk Bala dedicated a colossal standing Bodhisattva carved in Mathura red sandstone at Sarnath, demonstrating the school's reach across northern India during the Kushana period.

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