The rulers from Kushans dynasty were great patrons of art. And this truly reflects from artistic creation of this period. The period was marked for setting the principles for making sculptural images that continued to influence the art of sculpturing for many years. During the time of Kushans, Buddha was first shown in human form in this region. Earlier to this period, using various symbols like lotus and footsteps represented him. Not only Buddhist art was developed but also other Hindu and Jain deities from India began to be portrayed in human form.

Under the reign of Kushans, India`s most important styles in sculpturing developed in the 2nd-5th century A.D. these were the Gandhara art and the art of Mathura. Both the schools had developed their own distinct styles, known as, the Gandhara School of Art and the Mathura School of Art. They can be described as follows:

Gandhara School: The Khushan period is remembered till today mostly for the sculptures of Gandhara art. This art is named as above after the region of Gandhara, which is the place now in Pakistan. The art of Gandhara School seems to be highly influenced by Greco-Roman influence, also known as Hellenistic art. The Hellenistic art had originated in the second century and it was seen that it is highly influential in the countries from central and eastern Asia. Ivories and imported glass and lacquerware, seem to add in the cosmopolitan tastes of that time and extensive trade was also identified as the characteristic of this period. Most of artworks like stupas and monasteries were adorned with relief sculptures & often carved in dark schist. With these, figures shown in classical poses with flowing Hellenistic draperies were also found its presence here.

The Gandhara art mainly contains sculptures those present images of the Buddha from the earliest period, emphasizing on depicting the legends associated with his life. Earlier than evolution of this art, the Buddha`s presence was primarily represented only through symbols such as the peepal tree, the wheel of life, footprints, and an empty throne. Among the all, the most striking feature is the representation of Buddha in the Apollo-like form, depicting him as having a youthful, almond-shaped face marked with full lips and long straight nose. His hair is shown as spiral or curly and his body is covered with the help of well-defined delicate drapery, which are the other important influences of Hellenistic art.

This school also left their legacy in the form of stone carving depicting scenes from the life of Buddha and Buddhist stories from the Jataka tales. Apart from carving the entire images relating to Buddha, the sculptors also made studies of heads and icons depicting young men, women, and children. The material used by the sculptors in Gandhara are generally grayish schist stone and stucco i.e. a mixture of lime and clay, used in the later period. The most popular Gandharan image of Buddha representing in the Bodhisattva is excellent. The Buddha who attains enlightenment and successfully escapes from the cycle of death and rebirth but still chooses to remain on earth to help others in achieving salvation is depicted.

Mathura School: Under the rule of same Kushans, only at different geographical area i.e. farther east and south at the contemporary Mathura, the Mathura style was developed. This place is known as it had created a wholly Indian sculptural art. The art of the Mathura School had more local flavour as the sculptures had taken inspiration from local folk deities called Yakshas and Yakshis and other local gods and goddesses and themes from day-to-day life. The representation of the beauty of the female in sculpturing forms of images was the specialty of their art. The style that is perpetuated by this school can be easily marked by female figures, which are sensuous and voluptuous, whereas the men are represented as being sophisticated and urbane in appearance. The artists of Mathura succeeded in creating the ideal Indian beauty, which can be marked by oval faced with ample breasts, slender waist, and broad hips.

Apart from depiction of beautiful features of body with presented through different poses and scenes from day-to-day life, the sculptors also depicted different Hindu deities. The sensuous image of Buddha`s limbs were created according to canonical instructions. Even the reliefs of the yakshis that are carved against the railing pillars are more sensual and erotic than those at Sanchi. The stories or legends and myths associated with them also found the expression from sculptures. The artists were engaged in depiction of various Jain deities along with the sculptures of tirthakaras and the important ones are Ayagapattas or homage stone tablets. This sculpture is carved with auspicious symbols like fish, flag, jewel box, etc. The materials used by sculptors from Mathura were mottled red sandstone, which was quarried close to Agra.

So, for the summary, Buddhist iconography was evolved & widely used during the Gandhara period but that of Mathura has preserved and developed the art of Indian forms for three centuries.