Archaeological and Epigraphical Sources on Buddhism (Collection of Articles from The Indian Antiquary)

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The themes and subject matter of Buddhist art have been quite varied. In Buddhist art we find different postures of the Buddha depicting his glory. His life events and happenings of previous lives are also displayed on the basis of material drawn from Jätakas and Avadanas. Buddhist mythology is very rich and Buddhist pantheon is very vast comprising many gods and goddesses. All these are picturesquely depicted in the Buddhist art. The edifying legends are prominently displayed.

The Buddhist art found expression in viharas, stupas and caityas, cave-paintings and wall- hangings, in sculptures and bronzes, metal and ceramic images, terracotta figures etc. The edicts and inscriptions of Asoka and other rulers provide glimpses of art products apart from describing social, political and economic state of the society in those times. Different art creations are symbols representing different facets of Buddhism as a religion and as a way of life.

Sculpture and bronze and other metal works of art present another variety of Buddhist art and these are objects of great religious veneration, aesthetic grandeur, archeological significance and iconographic importance. They represent different postures of the Buddha and the Buddhist pantheon. The stucco-head of the Buddha, the crowned and bejeweled Buddha, the standing Buddha, he reclining Buddha, the preaching Buddha, the Buddha giving protection and granting fearlessness etc. depict the air of supreme spiritual calm and detachment and yet provide presence of great compassion. The faces in these art forms are radiant with spiritual aura. The smiling countenance with downcast eyes conveys divine compassion and blessings of the Buddha for all beings. The colossal and gigantic figures are awe-inspiring and depict omnipresence, omnipotence and omniscience of the Buddha.

Professor Siddheshwar Rameshwar Bhatt is an eminent philosopher, Sanskritist and profound thinker. He retired as Professor and Head of Department of Philosophy and Coordinator of University Grant Commission's Special Assistance Programme in Philosophy in the University of Delhi. Presently he is Emeritus Fellow of the UGC in Delhi University.

Professor Bhatt is an internationally known authority on Ancient Indian Philosophy and Culture, having specialization in Nyaya, Buddhism, Jainism and Vedanta. He has been the General President of Indian Philosophical Congress and All India Philosophy Association (Akhil Bharatiya Darshan Parishad). He is a member of the federation of the International Societies of Philosophy, World Association of Vedic Studies, Society for Comparative and Asian Philosophy, International Vedanta Congress etc. and a Regional Coordinator of Council for Research in Values and Philosophy which has brought out 130 books on would cultures and civilizations.

Professor Bhatt has lectured in many universities and research institutes of India, Japan, China, South Korea, North Korea, Germany, United States of America, Turkey and Trinidad. He has organized more than 50 national and international seminars and conferences. He has authored and edited several books and research papers on themes pertaining to philosophy, culture, values and society.

A culture is known for and creates a mark in human history by scientific and technological achievements as well as artistic excellences. Both are complementary and constitute significant facets of human life in so far as they cater to the needs and aspirations of different dimensions of human existence. The utility of science and technology lies in making life easier and comfortable. The value of arts is in respect of evoking beauty and bliss. Art is a symbolic representation of thought and culture. It elevates life to a higher plane.

Indian culture is well known for achieving great heights in artistic accomplishments in different art-pursuits right from the Vedic times. In the vast spatio-temporal span of the flow of Indian culture there have evolved various types of arts with multiple traditions and varied forms. Indian culture in this respect is like a multi-hued tapestry with innumerable shades and colors presenting a wonderful pageant. To this contributions have come both from the religious as well secular traditions. The Buddhist contribution has been immense and significant. There has been phenomenal growth of Buddhist art and culture at least from 3rd century B.C. Since then Buddhism has been playing an important tole in the development of art in India and in other Asian countries with notable impact from India. The Buddha's life and teachings, seminal Buddhist doctrines, beliefs and practices, Buddhist mythology and pantheon etc. provided main stimulus and offered prime inspiration to artists. Buddhist art was cultivated through out Greater India from 3rd century onwards till the time of Muslim invasions. The history of development of Buddhist art in and outside India is quite fascinating and it has great aesthetic value and religious significance. Buddhist art treasures are found in all parts of India and in many Asian countries in many mediums and in many forms.

The themes and subject matter of Buddhist art have been quite varied. In Buddhist art we find different postures of the Buddha depicting his glory. His life events and happenings of previous lives are also displayed on the basis of material drawn from Jātakas and Avadanas. Buddhist mythology is very rich and Buddhist pantheon is very vast comprising many gods and goddesses. All these are picturesquely depicted in the Buddhist art. The edifying legends are prominently displayed.

The Buddhist art found expression in viharas, stūpas and caityas, cave-paintings and wall-hangings, in sculptures and bronzes, metal and ceramic images, terracotta figures etc. The edicts and inscriptions of Aśoka and other rulers provide glimpses of art products apart from describing social, political and economic state of the society in those times. Different art creations are symbols representing different facets of Buddhism as a religion and as a way of life.

The Buddhist art objects evidence a very highly developed state of art in those time. They not only display great vision and thought, they also excel in aesthetic beauty. They are exquisitely worked out and appear extraordinarily enchanting. There have been many traditions of Buddhist art in India. The Gandhara tradition, the Mathura tradition, the Nalanda tradition in the North, the Pala and Sena traditions in the East, the Calukya, Pallava and the Andhra traditions in the South are a few notable examples. The stupas, caityas and vihāras present a fine form of architecture. Some of them are richly carved with scenes from Buddha's life. The stupas and caityas are supposed to contain relics of the Buddha, Pratyekabuddhas, Arhatas and Bodhisattvas. The relics are called 'dhatus' and they are classified as corporeal (sáririka), memorial (uddesika). and utility objects (pâribhogika). The corporeal relics are tooth, hair, bones etc. The memorial ones are connected with important events like Dhammacakkapavattana. The utility objects are garbs, bowls, staff etc.

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