Ancient stone relief depicting a seated figure, possibly Buddha, surrounded by various smaller figures and animals, with intricate carvings of foliage and people.

Buddhist Art in South Asia

Explore the fundamentals of Buddhism and Buddhist art with examples from South Asia, such as ancient Gandhara.

Early Buddhist Art

This video explores the important moments of the Buddha’s life, from his birth to his death, through early Buddhist art in South Asia, including stone reliefs and sculpture from ancient Gandhara (modern-day Pakistan and Afghanistan).

Basic Vocabulary

Ancient stone relief depicting two figures with palm trees, carvings, and decorative elements.

Aniconic

Ancient stone relief sculpture depicting a stupa with surrounding figures and trees, showcasing intricate patterns and details.

Stupa

Statue of an emaciated figure whose head is missing

Fasting Buddha

Ancient stone relief on a torana or gateway of the great stupa of sanchi

Continuous Narrative

A detailed stone carving with intricate figures and patterns, likely part of an ancient temple or monument, with a scenic outdoor landscape in the background and visitors viewing it.

Conflated Narrative

Narratives of the Buddha’s Life

  • Ancient relief sculpture with multiple figures and decorative elements

    Birth of the Buddha

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  • A large figure sits surrounded by other smaller figures on a stone relief

    The First Sermon at the Deer Park in Sarnath

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  • A figure reclines on a bed as other smaller figures mourn around him

    The Death of the Buddha

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  • Detailed stone sculpture of a central figure with a serene face, surrounded by smaller figures including a man with a beard and a young person, with intricate carved leaves and plants in the background.

    The Buddha's Enlightenment (Nirvana)

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Bamiyan Buddhas

Learn about the colossal Buddha sculptures of Bamiyan in Afghanistan

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Ancient rock-cut structures and a large carved face at the archaeological site of Bamiyan

Emperor Ashoka and His Buddhist Edicts

Learn about King Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire, his lion capitals, and his Buddhist Edicts

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Ancient stone sculpture of a lion with a detailed curly mane, standing on a decorated pedestal with animal carvings and a sunburst emblem.

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Related Resources

  • Asia

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  • Buddhism Across Asia

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  • Ancient World

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  • Medieval World

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  • Modern World

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  • Art History Glossary

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