Question

The earliest Buddhist sculptures had shied away from depicting the image of the Buddha, except through such symbols as______________.
A] Footprints
B] The Bodhi Tree
C] Stupas
D] All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: The beginning of Buddhism comes around the {\ 6}^{th}\ century BCE and it still goes on to the present. Buddhism was first introduced in the kingdom of Magadha, situated in the eastern part of Ancient India. The values and primordial concept of Buddhism start from the teachings of Gautama Buddha. Based on these values, the religion of Buddhism was established and spread in the north-east region of India. The acquired proofs of this time are found in various modes of evidence like sculptures and written scrolls. But the early life of Buddha cannot be seen in the modes of man-made things. Most of the earliest evidence is in the form of physical objects present around the places of the buddha.

Complete Answer:
Buddhist art is the area that represents the life of Gautama buddha through sculptures and writings. This mode of representation was started around 2^{nd}\ century BC. Till that time, the proofs regarding the life of Buddha was a mystery for most of the parts other than the ones with some sort of physical evidence.
These physical proofs include Buddha's footprint, the bodhi tree, and the stupa.
Buddha’s footprint: Buddha pada or the footprints of the Buddha, are representations of the Buddha’s enduring existence of Buddha on earth physically and spiritually. Footprints are found throughout Asia and the biggest one is in Srilanka.
The Bodhi tree: The Bodhi Tree was a sacred fig tree, large and very old (Ficus religiosa). It was at Bodhgaya Mahabodhi Temple. While sitting under this tree, Siddhartha Gautama, the spiritual teacher and founder of Buddhism, later known as Gautama Buddha, achieved Bodhi (spiritual enlightenment). Due to its heart-shaped leaves, the Bodhi tree is easily recognized.
The stupas: The stupa or the heap of mud is an important aspect of Buddhist architecture and it represents the early stages of Buddhism. It is considered as a sepulchral monument positioned on top of a burial ground or a receptacle to place for religious objects. Most of the time, a stupa is just a dirt burial mound faced with stone. It is believed to be the ashes of Buddha and believed to be a sacred place.
So, the correct answer is Option D.

Note: Buddhist art followed believers in each new host country as the dharma spread, adapted, and evolved. The Northern branch of Buddhist art developed to the north through Central Asia and into Eastern Asia, and to the east as far as Southeast Asia to form the Southern branch of Buddhist art. Buddhist art flourished and co-developed in India with Hindu and Jain art, with cave temple complexes constructed together, each probably influencing the other.