What does a ‘Stupa’ represent as a symbol of worship in sculptures?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Mahaparinibbana
Early sculptors showed the Buddha’s presence through symbols, and the stupa was meant to represent the mahaparinibbana, the Buddha’s passing away.
NCERT (2026-27): “9.2 Symbols of worship … 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 (Fig. 4.14) was meant to indicate the meditation of the Buddha, and the stupa (Fig. 4.15) was meant to represent the mahaparinibbana. Another frequently used symbol was the wheel (Fig. 4.16). This stood for the first sermon of the Buddha, delivered at Sarnath.…”
Fig. 4.15 Worshipping the stupa |
