Stele – events from Buddha’s life

Recurring subjects in Hindu sculpture are images of the religion’s major gods (Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma and Devi) although representations of other divinities, guardians and mythological narratives occur. The sculptures are believed to be forms in which the Hindu gods temporarily resided when evoked. By seeing and touching an image, the believer is also able to communicate and become one with them. Every feature of this sacred image is carefully regulated. Specific attributes, hand gestures and postures are assigned to each god and their bodies do not entirely follow human anatomy: the gods are often represented with multiple arms, legs and heads, which convey their power.

Imperial patronage of Buddhism in India has a distinguished history between the 3rd century BC and the 12th century AD. During this period, magnificent Buddhist monasteries and stupas were built. Emperor Ashoka’s (ruled about 268–232 BC) of the Maurya dynasty, an early patron of Buddhism was famed by his rock and pillar edicts, the earliest monumental inscriptions of South Asia.

Following the physical death and cremation of the Buddha, his relics were transported across northern India and stupas (hemispherical monuments enshrining relics) were built to house them, which became important places of veneration and pilgrimage (probably at the end of the 4th century BC).

Buddhism flourished throughout the region of Gandhara (across the border of modern-day Pakistan and Afghanistan) between the 1st and mid-4th centuries AD under Indo-Scythian, Indo-Parthian and Kushan rule. A distinctive sculpture tradition developed and was responsible for the creation of the earliest sculpted images of the Buddhist religion. These images were commissioned and donated by the Kushan kings, the local population and also pilgrims. In the later period, stucco replaced stone. Gandharan sculpture combines Indian iconography with Hellenistic sculpture traditions, echoing the heritage left by Alexander the Great and his armies in the 4th century BC.