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 some of the earliest Buddhist art by looking at a 2nd-century BCE stone relief carving from the Stupa of Bharhut in Madhya Pradesh, India.

Basic Vocabulary

Ancient stone relief depicting two figures with palm trees, carvings, and decorative elements.
Ancient stone relief sculpture depicting a stupa with surrounding figures and trees, showcasing intricate patterns and details.

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

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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Related Resources

  • Asia

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