Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c11.33

v2.c11.33

**Indian Carving** Maurya Dynasty, founded in 4th century BCE, was an unprecedented huge Empire in the history of India. Indian carving obtained great development during this period. In Mathura and other centres of ancient civilisations, people successively discovered more than 20 huge stone Yaksha statues. Yaksha was one of the gods in Hindu mythology, and under the worship of folk religion. Carving during the Maurya Dynasty held a special important position in Indian art history. During this period, stones were widely used in building and carving in India. In 3rd century BCE,