Buddha on the Rocks: Analyzing the Anthropomorphic Buddhist Rock Carvings on the Silk Roads Along the Upper Indus

Over the centuries the Silk Road networks spanned from Europe till Eastern Asia. The diverse cultures and traditions that existed along these networks has always been an area of interest for scholars. This paper focuses on the Northern reaches of the ancient region of Gandhara, which is a region in the North of present day Pakistan. This paper focuses on Buddhist anthropomorphic images found along the Indus river course that would have been used by merchants and traders to travel from the northern regions of Asia towards the southern regions. By analyzing the Buddhist anthropomorphic rock carvings found within this area, further information on the diversity of interactions can be gained and deeper knowledge of the intricacies of the Silk Road networks can be gained. The dataset I present produces an interesting result in terms of interactivity along these trade routes. From the evidence found, it becomes clear that throughout the long history of this trade route, different ideas of...Show moreOver the centuries the Silk Road networks spanned from Europe till Eastern Asia. The diverse cultures and traditions that existed along these networks has always been an area of interest for scholars. This paper focuses on the Northern reaches of the ancient region of Gandhara, which is a region in the North of present day Pakistan. This paper focuses on Buddhist anthropomorphic images found along the Indus river course that would have been used by merchants and traders to travel from the northern regions of Asia towards the southern regions. By analyzing the Buddhist anthropomorphic rock carvings found within this area, further information on the diversity of interactions can be gained and deeper knowledge of the intricacies of the Silk Road networks can be gained. The dataset I present produces an interesting result in terms of interactivity along these trade routes. From the evidence found, it becomes clear that throughout the long history of this trade route, different ideas of religion and religious imagery was transmitted from the southern regions northwards and vice versa. By conducting a stylistic and iconographic analysis on specific Buddhist anthropomorphic images from this dataset, I argue that there is a certain fusion of Buddhist imagery taking place within the research area.Show less

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Buddha on the Rocks: Analyzing the Anthropomorphic Buddhist Rock Carvings on the Silk Roads Along the Upper Indus