In the study of Buddhist sculpture, art historians found it essential to delve into the hagiographies of the Buddha. These biographical accounts provided valuable insights into the life and teachings of the Buddha. According to these hagiographies, the Buddha attained enlightenment during his meditation beneath a tree.

Interestingly, in early Buddhist sculptures, the representation of the Buddha did not take a conventional human form. Rather, sculptors opted to depict his presence through various symbolic elements and motifs. These symbols conveyed the essence of the Buddha's enlightenment and teachings, adding a unique and profound dimension to the artistry of the sculptures.

Assertion: In Buddhism, Stupas came to be venerated as an emblem of both the Buddha and Buddhism.
Reason: They were constructed next to monasteries and assembly halls of the monks and were thus holy sites.

The Assertion is correct but the Reason is incorrect.

The tradition of erecting stupas may have been pre-Buddhist, but they came to be associated with Buddhism. Since they contained relics regarded as sacred, the entire stupa came to be venerated as an emblem of both the Buddha and Buddhism.