Sculptures are the true representation of natural or imagined forms, which are created in two or three dimensions. Sculpturing includes sculpture in either the round or the incised relief form, in which the lines are cut into a flat surface and the object is carved on it. Indian sculptures mostly include devotional objects created in various forms, which display the faith of people on God. In various places of India, the marvelous Indian art finds its expression in many forms and these amazing art pieces evoke a sense of awe and wonder in it. India is full of a diverse medley of numerous aesthetic traditions that give its art and architecture the vitality, which can inspire even today. Surviving after every odd, artifacts and monuments of Indian art frequently provide the best clues for understanding of how a civilization may have developed and matured or stagnated, or lead to the phase of decline. These hallmarks of ancient Indian sculpture help us to establish a link of the artistic evolution. The notable art of stone carving enlivens many of India`s temples and caves architectures.

Any form of art in India, it may be an architecture, a sculpture or crafts have an origin in the history of civilization process of the Indus Valley Civilization. The evidences of the Indian art creation of the past prove that Indian temple sculpture once was ranked one of the highest in the entire world. A characteristic of Indian sculpture is that it is primarily realistic in nature and the human forms appear in it more closely related with the surrounding. Flora and fauna have also found its presence in sculptures of India along with the innumerable respected deities. Indian art and sculptures are marked with the differences that make it stand apart from the sculpture from the rest of the world.

The sculptures from the period of rule of a particular dynasty present the artistic sense and imaginative power of people of that time. For studying the developmental stages of history of sculpturing art these sculptures play an important role.

Indus Valley Sculpture
Indus Valley Civilization, which is considered to be a golden chapter as the beginning of Indian art and sculpture in the 2nd-3rd century B.C. According to the forms of art excavated from this valley, it can be easily deciphered that the people of this civilization were great lovers of the fine arts especially of dancing, painting, and making sculptures. The forms of art include various sculptures, seals, pottery, gold jewelry, terracotta figures, and other interesting works of art. The artists of that time surely had fine artistic sensibilities & imagination.

Ancient Sculptures of the Mauryan Empire
The Mauryan Empire is marked for its great achievements in art, culture architecture and literature, since the period of King Ashoka led to the base of sculpturing art of India in later period. Some of Ashoka`s edicts carved on pillars and rocks made out of shafts of sandstone, represent the earliest known stone sculptures in our country. The rule of the Mauryan Empire regarded for the period of promotion in the Field of art and architecture.

The Ancient Sculptures of the Satavahana Empire
Satavahanas dynasty was ruled in Southern and Central part of India starting from around 230 B.C. and they were the first ancient dynasty of Maharashtra. The Satavahana`s tradition of art and architecture, characterized the iconic presentation of Buddha and such presentations in sculptures were common till this period.

The Ancient Sculptures of the Khushan Empire
The rulers from Kushans dynasty were great patrons of art. And this truly reflects from artistic creation of this period. The period was marked for setting the principles for making sculptural images that continued to influence the art of sculpturing for many years. During the time of Kushans, Buddha was first shown in human form in this region. Earlier to this period, using various symbols like lotus and footsteps represented him. Not only Buddhist art was developed but also other Hindu and Jain deities from India began to be portrayed in human form.

The Ancient Sculptures of the Gupta Empire
The Gupta Empire was ruled by the Gupta dynasty during the period of around 240 to 550 B.C and it is truly marked as the Golden age of Indian culture and art. The examples showing the excellence of their cultural creativity are magnificent through the creative architecture, sculpture, and painting. Even various subjects covering science, astronomy, religion, and philosophy had reached to the level of excellence during this period. The peace and prosperity existed in the empire under leadership of Guptas enabled artists to deliver their best. The creation of monumental temples during the Gupta period remains as architectural wonders. The cave temples of Elephanta and structural temples of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu are enduring legacy Gupta rulers.