Ancient South Asia

Prehistory to c. 500 CE

From the Indus Valley Civilization to the Great Stupa at Sanchi, the art and architecture of ancient South Asia continue to impress

What is South Asia?

India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bhutan, and the Maldives are all part of South Asia

Early Buddhist Art

c. 500 BCE–400 CE

Buddhism originated in South Asia around 500 BCE
people are wailing around a figure that is reclining on a bed

Important terms and concepts

Aniconism

Bodhisattva

Siddartha Gautama

The Historical Buddha

Parinirvana

Stupa

people gather around a mound

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