Sculpture
The removal of sculptures from stupas and their transportation to Europe occurred because observers found them beautiful and valuable, desiring to possess them. One such sculpture depicts what appears to be a rural scene but is identified as a scene from the Vessantara Jataka, a story about a generous prince who relinquished everything and lived in the forest with his family. Sculptures often require interpretation based on textual evidence, as they frequently convey symbolic meanings rather than literal depictions.
Art historians familiarized themselves with hagiographies of the Buddha to understand Buddhist sculpture. Many early sculptures symbolically represented aspects of the Buddha’s life, such as his meditation under a tree or the delivery of his first sermon, through symbols like empty seats, stupas, or wheels. Such symbols require contextual understanding to decipher their meaning accurately.
Some sculptures at sites like Sanchi may not directly relate to Buddhist themes but reflect broader cultural beliefs and practices. For example, depictions of women swinging from gateways may represent shalabhanjika, women believed to induce trees to flower and bear fruit, reflecting pre-Buddhist or non-Buddhist traditions integrated into Buddhist art. Additionally, animal depictions, like elephants, horses, and monkeys, symbolized attributes like strength and wisdom, enriching the visual narrative with symbolism drawn from various traditions.
Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings Cultural Developments| Class 12 History Notes
In this chapter, we embark on a journey spanning a millennium to explore the insights of philosophers as they sought to comprehend their world. We will delve into how their ideas were transmitted through oral and written texts, as well as expressed in architectural marvels and sculptures, reflecting the enduring impact of their thoughts on society.
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