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Q.Match Column-I with Column-II and choose the correct option : Column-I (Sculpture of Sanchi) :

(a) Empty seat
(b) Gajlakshmi
(c) Wheel
(d) Shalbhanjika Column-II (Symbolic Importance) :
(i) Indicator of Mahaparinibbana
(ii) Indicator of good fortune
(iii) Indicator of auspicious
(iv) Indicator of first sermon of Buddha Options : (A) a-i, b-ii, c-iv, d-iii (B) a-ii, b-iii, c-i, d-iv (C) a-ii, b-i, c-iv, d-iii (D) a-iv, b-i, c-iii, d-ii
CBSECBSE Class XII Board 2025MCQ· 1mImportance★★★★★
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Early Buddhist art at Sanchi used various symbols like the empty seat, wheel, Gajalakshmi, and Shalbhanjika to represent the Buddha's life events and auspicious concepts, as the Buddha was not depicted in human form initially.

The magnificent stupas at Sanchi are among the most significant examples of early Buddhist art and architecture in India. During the early period of Buddhism, particularly before the Gandhara and Mathura schools began depicting the Buddha in human form, artists relied heavily on symbols to represent the Buddha and key events from his life. This approach, known as aniconism, allowed devotees to venerate the Buddha without directly portraying his physical presence. These symbols were not merely decorative; they carried profound spiritual and narrative significance, conveying complex Buddhist ideas in an accessible visual language.

Let us explore the symbolic importance of the sculptures mentioned:

  • Empty Seat: In early Buddhist art, an empty seat often signifies the meditation of the Buddha, particularly his attainment of enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. It represents the presence of the Buddha through his spiritual achievement rather than his physical form. It can also symbolize the Mahaparinibbana, the final passing away of the Buddha, indicating his ultimate liberation and absence from the cycle of rebirth.

    Important

    The empty seat is a powerful aniconic symbol representing the Buddha's presence through his spiritual journey and ultimate liberation.

  • Gajalakshmi: This motif depicts a goddess, often identified as Lakshmi, being bathed by elephants. Gajalakshmi is a widely recognized symbol of good fortune, prosperity, and abundance in Indian traditions, predating Buddhism. Its inclusion in Buddhist art, such as at Sanchi, suggests the integration of popular auspicious symbols into the Buddhist narrative, associating the faith with prosperity and well-being.

  • Wheel: The wheel, or Dharmachakra (Wheel of Dharma), is one of the most potent and universally recognized symbols in Buddhism. It primarily represents the Buddha's first sermon, delivered at Sarnath, where he "set the wheel of Dharma in motion." This sermon outlined the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, forming the core teachings of Buddhism. The wheel's continuous rotation symbolizes the eternal nature of the Dharma and its spread throughout the world. …

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