The presence of Buddha is constantly shown by various symbols. A few of them are mentioned below:

a. Historians had to understand the hagiographies of the Buddha to understand Buddhist sculptures.

b. Buddha attained enlightenment while meditating under a tree.

c. Many early sculptors did not show the Buddha in human form instead they showed his presence through symbols.

d. The empty seat indicated the meditation of the Buddha.

e. The Stupa indicated the mahaparinibbana.

f. The wheel was a symbol that stood for the First Sermon of the Buddha delivered at Sarnath.

g. The tree symbolizes an event in the life of the Buddha.

h. Historians had to familiarise themselves with the traditions of those who produced these works of art to have a clear understanding of the symbols.