Read the passage and answer the question :

Art historians had to acquire familiarity with hagiographies of the Buddha in order to understand Buddhist sculpture. According to hagiographies, the Buddha attained enlightenment while meditating under a tree. Many early sculptors did not show the Buddha in human form - instead, they showed his presence through symbols. The empty seat was meant to indicate the meditation of the Buddha, and the Stupa was meant to represent the Mahaparinibbana.

Why did the early sculptors not show Buddha in human form?

Because they chose to show the major event of Buddha's life through symbols.

The correct answer is Option (4) → Because they chose to show the major event of Buddha's life through symbols.

One significant reason is that they aimed to convey important aspects and events of the Buddha's life and teachings symbolically. This allowed for a more abstract and profound representation of key events, such as his meditation under the Bodhi tree and the Mahaparinibbana, which are fundamental to Buddhist belief. Furthermore, early Buddhist art and sculpture often aimed for a sense of transcendence and spirituality rather than focusing on realistic depictions of physical forms. This abstract and symbolic approach was aligned with the spiritual and philosophical aspects of Buddhism, emphasizing the inner journey and enlightenment. In summary, the choice to represent the Buddha through symbols rather than human form was a deliberate artistic and spiritual decision to convey the depth and significance of Buddhist teachings and key events in his life.

So, the correct option is [4].