Answer:
Broadly the Lichchhavi sculptures can be divided into three groups-first including the earliest sculptures available today-as earlier as 2nd century, second including the sculptures with recorded dates which are important and authentic source of knowledge about history and finally the third group includes those images .
Explanation:
The Nepalese sculptures in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art were created primarily by the Newars, one of Nepal’s many ethnic groups, in the Kathmandu valley, an area encompassing about 200 square miles in central Nepal. Predominantly Buddhist, Newari artists became renowned throughout Asia for the high quality of their work. At times, Nepalese style had tremendous influence on the art of China and Tibet, as both countries imported art and artists from Nepal to adorn their temples and monasteries.
The majority of these sculptures were created in the service of religion, and although most of the artists were Buddhist, neither a Hindu nor a Buddhist style is discernible. As in medieval India, the same artists probably produced art for both religions. Nepal is one of the few places in the world where Buddhism and Hinduism have coexisted peacefully for almost 2,000 years. Although Hinduism is the state religion, the two religions are not only historically entwined but also share many similar aspirations that make them far less distinguishable than in theory. At the popular level in Nepal, it makes little or no difference whether one receives blessings from a Hindu or Buddhist deity as long as that deity is efficacious.
