Ancient South Asia

Prehistory to c. 500 CE

Ancient Gandhara sculpture of a figure, possibly representing Buddha, with intricate hair and facial features, against a blue background.

From the Indus Valley Civilization to the Great Stupa at Sanchi, the art and architecture of ancient South Asia continue to impress

What is South Asia?

India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bhutan, and the Maldives are all part of South Asia. Some would also include Afghanistan in this list.

Indus Valley Civilization

c. 3300–1300 BCE

Indus Valley Civilization flourished primarily in the region of modern-day Pakistan and northwest India

Two ancient seals or stamps with animal engravings and inscriptions, placed on display on a beige fabric surface.
Indus Valley Seals

Important terms and concepts

Indus Valley Civilization

Seals

Harappa

Mohenjo-daro

Early Buddhist Art

c. 500 BCE–400 CE

Buddhism originated in South Asia around 500 BCE

Ancient stone relief with intricate carvings depicting figures and architectural elements in a museum setting.
The aniconic Buddha and Bharhut Stupa
Ancient stone sculpture of a seated figure with a halo and ornate clothing, depicting a serene expression.
Bodhisattva defined with Gandharan sculpture
A rectangular stone relief shows a larger figure, the Buddha, surrounded by smaller figures that look at him
The Buddha's first sermon at Deer Park and the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path
The Great Stupa at Sanchi, a dome-shaped Buddhist structure with ornate gateways.
What is a stupa?
people gather around a woman as she gives birth to a baby from her side
The birth of the Buddha and Queen Maya
Stone sculpture of a Buddha surrounded by other figures, with intricate carvings of leaves and animals in the background.
The Buddha's enlightenment (nirvana)
people are wailing around a figure that is reclining on a bed
The death of the Buddha (parinirvana) and Gandharan art
Lion capital Sarnath Ashoka
Ashoka, His Edicts, and the Mauryan Empire

Important terms and concepts

Aniconism

Bodhisattva

Siddartha Gautama

The Historical Buddha

Nirvana

Queen Maya

The Four Noble Truths

The Eightfold Path

Deer Park

Bodh Gaya

Parinirvana

Stupa

Ashoka

Lion Capital

Edict

Maurya Empire

Bamiyan Buddhas

Learn about the colossal Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan

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Large ancient rock carving of a seated Buddha figure in a cliffside, with multiple small cave openings and people exploring at the base.

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