Which one of the following sculptures found at Sanchi Stupa is NOT directly inspired by Buddhist ideas ?

The sculptures at Sanchi Stupa reflect both Buddhist and non-Buddhist traditions. The empty seat (throne), the tree (Bodhi tree), and the wheel (Dharmachakra) are direct Buddhist symbols used in the aniconic phase to represent the Buddha's meditation, enlightenment, and first sermon respectively [3]. In contrast, the Shalbhanjika (or Shalabhanjika) is a motif derived from popular pre-Buddhist and non-Buddhist traditions [1]. It depicts a woman holding a branch of a tree and was originally a secular fertility symbol associated with the spirit of the tree and earth. While it was incorporated into the Sanchi gateways to ensure auspiciousness, it was not directly inspired by Buddhist ideas but rather by ancient Indian fertility rites where a maiden's touch was believed to cause trees to blossom. Thus, it represents the enrichment of Buddhism with external cultural beliefs [1].

Sources

1. [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aniconism_in_Buddhism
2. [1] THEMES IN INDIAN HISTORY PART I, History CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings > 9.3 Popular traditions > p. 101