The Pala dynasty and its people, although not prominent until the late 6th century, were probably around as early as the second century A.D. Their mark on the Indian world came mostly through monuments in stone. The tradition and style of the period lasted approximately 200 years. Most of the monuments pay respect to either kings or gods.

The Gupta dynasty began in India around 320 CE with the reign of Chandragupta. The period extended to approximately 550 CE when the Huns weakened the empire. During the this period, the culture of India was quite advanced, with large towns and courts.

The leaders of the Kushan period pushed the Buddhist art during this time and it is when the image of the Buddha really took shape. There were two major centers of art, Mathura and Gandhara, located along important trade routes.

The Mauryan Empire lasted from 322 B.C. until 185 B.C. This period flourished in a number of areas. The art and architecture that was constructed during this era reflect on the Mauryan Empire greatness. King Asoka, who took over power of the empire in 273 B.C. made huge contributions to the Mauryans.

In early Buddhist art, a complete absence of the image of Buddha is noted because people thought his human portrayal as wrong. Instead, symbols of the Buddha were put on stupas in order to tell his story. Stupas, or Buddhist mounds, soon became the most significant monuments in the Buddhist world.