Indian sculptures flourished in the 3rd century BC under the Buddhist religion, especially under the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, who had embraced the religion. Around 85,000 stupas or dome-shaped monuments, with the teachings of Buddhism engraved on rocks and pillars, were constructed. The famous Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath in Madhya Pradesh, attracts scores of visitors around the year. The sacred wheel of law or the dharmachakra is symbolic of the first sermon that Buddha delivered at Sarnath. The lion depicted in the same has been adopted as part of the national emblem of India.

The Great Stupa at Sanchi has finely carved gateways Buddhist legends and life-styles of two thousand years ago. It is fifty-four feet high and is surrounded by a stone railing and four elaborately carved gateways on each side. The gateway relief depict tales of Buddha's incarnations, his life as a prince, his moment of enlightenment, his sermons and his worshippers.

Though, Buddhism deplored idol worship, this was an inevitable change as the popularity of Buddhism spread far and wide. To emphasize his divinity, this human form was depicted with features like a halo around the head, the dharmachakra engraved upon his palms and soles of his feet, and the lion throne representing his royal ancestry.

These Buddhist statues, exhibiting a serene Buddha, with a glowing face are awe inspiring with their sheer size and excellent craftsmanship. A Guide to Buddhist Architecture - Know more about various forms of Buddhist architecture - caves, stupas, pagodas, temples and monasteries.