Buddhist Indian sculptures can be best defined as splendid examples of religious sculpture and architecture. This type of sculpture developed in India around 255 BC, especially, due to the efforts of Mauryan emperor, Ashoka. Impressed by the ideologies of Buddhism Ashoka adopted it as the state religion. It was on his initiative that some remarkable Buddhist Indian sculptures were carved out. These sculptures were used for popularising this new religion. Hence a completely different idiom in the history of Indian sculpture evolved.

The Buddhist Indian architecture included the construction of the stupas, chaityas and pillars. Iconography became an important part of the Buddhist architecture. As far as the sculpture was concerned it was simpler compared to the later sculptures that evolved in India. The features of Buddhist Indian sculpture included the aniconic representation of Gautama Buddha. The style evolved by Ashoka can also be seen in buildings that sprang up in the Buddhist pilgrimage centers. While discussing about the Buddhist architecture and sculpture it is important to include the sculptures of stupas. The sculpture of Sanchi Stupa is a fine specimen of the Buddhist art.

Another important construction that emerged with the Buddhist religious principles are the caves the architecture and the sculpture of Buddhist Caves. Apart from this the sculpture of chaityas, sculpture of Vihara and sculpture of Ashokan Pillars are quite significant too.