Symbolism of Garland as a Cult Object in Gandhara Art

摘要

This study involves understanding of how garland is being remembered as an object of devotion in various traditions from classical times to contemporary age? Main focus of present study is to get insight into the symbolism of garland as cultic object in Buddhist art of Gandhara. And to indicate that how this element get merged into different sorts of learning? In order to act in accordance with these objectives, usage of garland has been studied in antique (Greece and Rome) art and culture. Suggestions are gathered from literary evidence and symbolic portrayals to identify that what was the significance of garland to Greek and Roman civilization? And how this icon get assorted into later religious settings of Asia minor and eastern countries including Gandhara Buddhism? Purpose of the present study is to recognize that how this element was acknowledged and modified in Buddhist rites and observances?Buddhists in Gandhara followed the pre-Buddhist belief of communicating religious dogma through sacred symbols. They derived those signs from ancient Iranian, Greek, Roman and Hindu customs of adoring gods, goddesses and heroic figures with flowers, perfumes, lamps, banners or floral garlands. It is concluded that imagery of garland motif was first introduced in Gandhara by the Bactrian Greeks who invaded the region in 4rd century BCE. Although the idea was already present in Vedic practices of worshipping divine beings in Gandhara. The acceptance of outlandish religious values and artistic features by local people since Gandhara remained exposed to foreign invasions from prehistoric times. Despite all these invasions, people of Gandhara retained their originality in their art and culture.