Art of India before 1200

The earliest civilization of south Asia was located in the Indus Valley. The civilization was progressing and had advanced concepts and techniques. The culture suddenly vanished with little explanation. Some believe that there was an abrupt climatic change or attacks from surrounding areas. Since so little is known about the Indus Valley inhabitants, their artwork is an insight to their way of life. One of the most extraordinary portrayals of a human form is that …

…were mounds covering the relics of the Buddha or his followers. In its earliest stages Buddhist art didn't represent the Buddha directly. Instead, his presence was alluded to through symbols such as the bo tree, the wheel of law or his footprint. The stupa also became a symbol of the Buddha. More exactly, it became a symbol of his final release from the cycle of birth and rebirth -- the Parinirvana or the "Final Dying."