Gupta and post-Gupta prototypes [ 4th – 8th C in India ] but have local elements to reflect southeast asian facial features. The distinctive Dvaravati sculpture is that of the Wheel of Law found throughout the Dvaravati Kingdom. These symbols of the Buddha's first sermon were erected on high pillars and placed in temple compounds. Today good examples can be seen at the National Museum Bangkok.
This period marked the beginning of the various art styles. In India Buddhist clerics introduced 32 features to be included in any representation of the Buddha so that all his images should not be confused with those of ordinary people but be instantly recognizable as the Buddha. He is portrayed as superior to ordinary men with profound spiritual purity conquering physical desire by the mind and showing the aura of inner peace.
In contrast the crafting of images of the Hindu Gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva who were super humans radiating power required different images. They were accorded kingly status, crowned and adorned with jewels and given strong and beautiful faces.
These Gods showed strength, radiated power and masculine vigor. The consorts to these Gods were the embodiment of feminine grace and sweetness. In these times art had to capture the intangible, invisible gods and translate their themes into figures of stone or bronze. In doing so they were guided by rules devised in India.