SCENES FROM THE LIFE OF THE BUDDHA IN GANDHARA ART

Abstract

Narrative scenes from the life of Buddha, according to the Pali texts had appeared in symbolic from since Asoka's time in the 3rd century B.c. around the 2nd century A.D, in Gandhara art style when the first Buddha images were created, stone reliefs from the life of the Buddha were commonly found. These scenes were narrated in the well-know Sanskrit texts of that period ( Mahavastu Lalitavistara or Buddha Carita) , and were decorated on part of stupas or on the bases of Buddha images. Some scenes might not be found in later period because their popularity waned. The comparative study of these works and texts helps us to know not only the cultural society but also the religious cult and the beliefs that clearly evolved in that period.