Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Ancient India: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings

Question:

The symbol of the 'wheel' in many Buddhist sculptures stands for which representation?

Options:

Mahaniravana

Buddha's Birth

Enlightenment of Buddha

First Sermon of Buddha

Correct Answer:

First Sermon of Buddha

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (4) → First Sermon of Buddha

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. Another frequently used symbol was the wheel. This stood for the first sermon of the Buddha, delivered at Sarnath.