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From Harappa, an Indus Valley civilization. Created around 2600-1900 BCE. Made with red sandstone.

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Much much older than the other pieces featured on this timeline, this figure is significant in that it is "one of the most extraordinary portrayals of the human form to survive from any early civilization" (Stokstad, Cothren). (I guess it beat out Venus of Willendorf...although on second thought this one is definitely more anatomically correct!)
It includes the softness and gentle muscularity of the human form; very realistic and not idealized.

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Located in Kutagarasala Vihara, India. Around 279-232 BCE.

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As with the following Ashokan Pillar, this was commisioned by the king Ashokan to honor the Buddha's teachings in public. The tall uprightness of it is symbolic of a gateway or channel to heaven while being grounded in the earth at the same time. Additionally, the lion featured at the top is symbolic of the Buddha's teachings.

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From Didarganj, Patna, India. Dated in the Maurya period at about 250 BCE.

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Our textbook authors, Stokstad and Cotheren share that "this sculpture has become one of the most famous works of Indian art." The strength of her body is balanced with the youthfulness and gentleness of her face.

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Located in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India. Attributed to the Maurya period around 250 BCE. 

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This is a devotional aniconic representation of the Buddha and his teachings created for an elite class; showcasing symmetry, weight, authority, and sparkling grandeur.

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Thanks to our textbook authors, Strokstad and Cothren we know this is located in Madhya Pradesh, India and was created around 150-50 BCE.
Interesting note: The carvings featured in the gateway were provided by the common people out of their devotion and reverence for the Buddha. Because of this the figures represent a common aesthetic (compare to the detailed, perfected, and polished Ashokan Pillar at Sarnath).