Influence of Foreign Styles on Indian Art & Culture

India’s art and culture have evolved through continuous interaction with foreign civilizations due to trade, invasion, migration, and cultural exchange. From the Persian influence on Mughal architecture to European realism in modern painting, every phase reflects India’s openness to new ideas while preserving its essence.

Ancient Period

Persian & Greek (Indo-Greek) Influence

• After Alexander’s invasion (326 BCE), Greco-Bactrian and Indo-Greek kingdoms promoted Hellenistic traits in Indian art.
  • For example, Gandhara School of Art combined Greek realism (drapery, anatomical accuracy) with Indian spiritual themes (Buddha’s life).
• Use of grey schist stone, curly hair, and naturalistic body features of Buddha statues—distinctly Greek in ....