The history of Indian sculpture dates back to the days of the Indus Valley Civilisation. The finest example of sculptures of the ancient times originated with the 3rd millennium Great Baths of Mohen-jo-daro. With changing time the style and forms of the Indian sculpture and architecture metamorphosed. Thus the brick constructions and the terracotta works were slowly replaced by the new found religious faith, Buddhism. Beautiful monuments dedicated to this faith came into existence. The sculptures of Buddhist structures were simple yet these appeal to the senses.

Down south several kingdoms sprang up and with their emergence Hinduism was revived. In an attempt to bolster this faith the South kingdoms, such as, Cheras, Cholas, Chaulkyas, Pandyas, Nayakas, Pallavas and others provided royal patronage to the Indian temple sculpture. The scenario was similar in North India as well. However, there was a basic difference between the two styles. While the North Indian temples have bee-hive shaped towers, the South Indian temples follow the idioms of Dravidian art and sculpture. The ancient Indian sculptures, thus, primarily consisted of religious buildings. Another reason for this concentration was that temples in ancient India were the center for art, culture and knowledge. Hence art and sculpture flourished here.

Muslim rulers introduced India to an entirely different mode of sculpture and architecture. Medieval Indian sculpture, thus, witnessed the constructions of dome shaped buildings. Other architectural elements that enhanced the beauty of the religious places include the jharokhas, chajjas, chhatris and others. The modern Indian sculptures completely drifted away from the Muslim sculptures. The history of Indian sculpture has, thus, witnessed numerous changes over the ages. While some of the Indian sculpture has survived the test of time, others remain only in forms of ancient ruins. The contemporary Indian sculpture follows a more international vocabulary but its sources are deeply rooted in the history of Indian sculpture and art.