In the ancient region of Gandhara, the sculptural tradition was strongly influenced by the Hellenistic style left in the wake of Alexander. Local artisans favoured the principles of figural naturalism, in particular the athletic and heroic idealized body. The depiction of the Indian dhoti and sanghati, like that of the Greek chiton and himation, presented an opportunity to reproduce voluminous folds of drapery with wondrous aplomb, as is evident in the present work.
A Gandharan grey schist relief from an earlier period that also depicts musicians and features a Corinthian column is housed at the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, Ohio (acc. no. 1930.328.1). This panel depicts musicians and dancers from the ancient region of Phrygia. They wear baggy tunics with trousers tied at the ankles and peaked caps, playing drum and lyre and dancing.