Early Buddhist sculptors did not show Buddha in human form. Through which of the following symbols was Buddha’s presence shown by the early sculptors?

Early Buddhist art, particularly during the pre-Christian era, followed an aniconic tradition where the Buddha was never depicted in human form [3]. Instead, his presence was represented through specific symbolic markers. The empty seat (or throne) symbolized his presence or enlightenment [4]. The Bodhi tree represented the moment of his enlightenment at Bodh Gaya [4]. The Wheel (Dharmachakra) signified the first sermon and the turning of the wheel of law [4]. Finally, the Stupa served as a funerary mound containing relics, representing both the Buddha's Mahaparinirvana and the spiritual universe [4]. These symbols allowed early sculptors at sites like Sanchi and Bharhut to narrate the life of the Buddha without violating the then-prevalent tradition of avoiding anthropomorphic representations [3]. Human depictions only emerged later with the rise of Mahayana Buddhism and Gandhara art [3].

Sources

1. [3] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 5: Evolution of Society in South India > Numismatic > p. 63
2. [4] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings > 7.1 Why were stupas built? > p. 96
3. [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_symbolism
4. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aniconism_in_Buddhism