Indian Art: A History of Indian Art from the Earliest Times up to the Third Century A.D. c13.s5.4

c13.s5.4

Even in Buddhism the urge to render devotional worship to Buddha had existed long before the actual making of image but then he was represented by means of symbol. For example, instead of making the human image the artists depicted him in the form of some symbols well known like the Bodhi-vṛiksha, Dharma-chakra, Stūpa, Triratna, Chūḍā (head-dress), Bhikshā-pātra (Alm bowl) etc. Religious authority was clear in this matter, viz., that devotional worship in the manner of the Bhakti cult, could be offered to the Buddha depicted in a symbolic form but there was no sanction to make the image. Some great decision was required to get over this interdiction. The formulation and execution of image were significant problems which could only be disposed of at a very high level. It was not a question to be summarily settled by the ingenuity of some local artists working either in Mathura or in Gandhāra as some scholars have suggested. We may clarify the position in greater relief with reference to what happens within the orbit of those religious denominations who are opposed to image worship, e. g. Islam or Āryasamāja. These religious orders are definitely opposed to the making and worship of images and none of their followers will touch it with a pair of tongs nor is it possible to find a single image in any of their religious places. A similar situation must be envisaged in the early history of Buddhism.