Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c7.s2.t7.3

v1.c7.s2.t7.3

Xuanzang observed the grandeur of art and craft that characterised Sarnath during the Mauryas, Sungas, Kushanas and the Guptas and were evident in Dhamekh and other *stupas*, Ashokan Pillar, the Buddha statue and scores of various artifacts. The Sarnath School of Buddha sculpture produced the most beautiful stone statue of the preaching Buddha, the style of which was emulated in India and abroad and particularly in pre-Angokorine Cambodia. Coomaraswamy noted this statue as one of the three best sculptures of the world. Sarnath retained its charm even during the Pala period. Plunder by Afghan-based Mahmud Ghajni’s and Ghori’s invasions in the first and decades of 11th century Sarnath. Kumardevi, wife of Govindchandra (1114-1154 CE) of the Gahadavala dynasty, built a large monastery at Sarnath which is probably the last impressive monuments raised here. By the beginning of 13th century, the periodic onslaught of Turko-Muslim kings followed by ransacking by local roving powerholders for building material, Sarnath was completely destroyed.