This video explores the Buddhist cave monastery at Bamiyan, Afghanistan, home to the world’s earliest colossal sculptures of Buddhas (the Bamiyan Buddhas). Located in the Hindu Kush mountains in Afghanistan, Bamiyan was once a thriving location along the ancient Silk Roads, visited by monks and merchants traveling the overland trade routes. The Chinese monk, Xuanzang, who traveled the Silk Roads in the 7th century to learn more about Buddhism in India, passed through Bamiyan and kept a record of this experience as he encountered the awe-inspiring site.

Learn more about the Bamiyan Buddhas in this short video, including how they were made and why the massive Buddha niches where the sculptures once stood are empty today.

This video is perfect for anyone looking to learn more about:

• Buddhist Art

• Buddhist History

• Ancient Gandhara

• Religious Art

• Art History

• South Asian Art

CHAPTERS

0:02 Introduction to the Buddhist cave monastery at Bamiyan

1:09 What are the Bamiyan Buddhas?

1:59 How were the Bamiiyan Buddhas made?

2:39 Destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas and iconoclasm