Early sculptors did not show Buddha in human form. In this reference what does the symbol of 'empty seat' symbolised:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Meditation of Buddha
Option (1) First sermon — Incorrect. The first sermon, delivered at Sarnath, was shown by a different symbol, the wheel.
Option (2) Meditation of Buddha — Correct. Many early sculptors did not show the Buddha in human form; they showed his presence through symbols. The Buddha attained enlightenment while meditating under a tree, and the empty seat was meant to indicate the meditation of the Buddha.
Option (3) Mahaparinibbana — Incorrect. The mahaparinibbana was represented by another symbol, the stupa.
Option (4) Wisdom — Incorrect. Each of these symbols stands for an event in the life of the Buddha, not for a quality such as wisdom.
NCERT (2026-27): “9.2 Symbols of worship … 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 (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.…”
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