Patronage and Representation at the Huviska Vihāra a Kusāna-Period Monastery in Mathurā

Abstract

Art and inscriptions from the Jamālpur site in the southern section of Mathurā city help characterize an early Buddhist monastic community and its relationship with lay patrons of non-royal backgrounds. Although named after Huviska, a powerful ruler of the Kusāna dynasty in the mid–second century CE, the monastery at this site was supported by monks, local administrators and members of professional groups such as actors. Monks specialized in textual interpretations, recitations and meditative practices, but were also successful fund raisers who actively influenced Buddhist imagery. Figures of lay worshippers carved in a naturalistic style are privileged in sculptures from this monastery. Visiting monks were instrumental in introducing elements of Kusāna royal symbolism into local art production. The role of this monastery was primarily to help local political elite to gain legitimation through their association with the Kusāna name and royal symbols on the one hand, and on the other, with a local nāga cult. Worshippers of the nāga deity, who otherwise occupied a low position in society, gained recognition by joining the patronage network of the monastery. Certain groups—craftsmen, merchants and agriculturalists—as well as women, however, seem to be conspicuously absent as donors at this site.