Expert: Anthony - 10/15/2009

Question
hello!

i need information on Buddhist art and architecture (as the title suggests)

can you also tell me about the different schools of architecture, and their common characteristics as well as their distinguishing characteristics....

the schools of architecture i need focused information are:
the mauryan school
kushana school
mathura school
sarnath school
gandhara school

links to websites and pictures will also be appreciated.

can you also tell me about the Greek influences on Buddhist art?

and i can also use websites that are free of cost that provide the required information?

it will be even better if the information you provide is from your own knowledge - our teacher appreciates a wide range of sources, and you could be my resource! :)

thanking you for your effort,
manjusha

Answer
Hi Manjusha,

Please accept my apologies for reverting late on this, but unfortunately I do not have uninterrupted net access at home.  From your question, I guess that you're probably working on a project.  I have tried to garner as much information as I could to answer your question.  

I'm also no expert on art and architecture - my key domain is political history.  However, since the information is vast, I can do worse than refer you to visit the following URLs:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_art
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_architecture
http://www.indiapicks.com/annapurna/B_Buddhist.htm
http://www.culturopedia.com/Architecture/architecture.html
http://uk.encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_781529221/buddhist_architecture.html
http://culturopedia.net/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=14
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco-Buddhist_art
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco-Buddhist
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=1006042612095
http://www.kushan.org/reviews/artandculture.htm
http://www.indianetzone.com/42/buddhist_art_india.htm
http://ignca.nic.in/budh0002.htm
http://www.civilserviceindia.com/subject/History/prelims/gandharaschool.html
http://www.civilserviceindia.com/subject/History/prelims/KUSHANS.html
http://www.indianofficer.com/forums/history-wiki/1399-gandhara-school-art.html

You could also visit www.questia.com and refer to their online encyclopedia - I have often found them to have the matter that I have been searching for.  

In case you need to purchase books, you could try www.indiaplaza.in or if the book is unavailable, you could purchase second hand/new ones at www.abebooks.com.  Please note that at www.abebooks.com, while the cost of the book may be just a few dollars, the shipping may come to around 5-10 dollars.

Sorry I couldn't offer more.  Wishing you all the best in your assignment.

Regards,