Torso of a Seated Buddha

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Some of the most ancient depictions of the Buddha emerged at Mathura in northern India. Like this figure, they frequently portrayed the Buddha's chest fully inflated with yogic breathing techniques, or pana, symbolizing spiritual strength. The long-lost right hand was likely raised in a gesture bestowing liberation from fear (abhaya mudra). Early Buddhist icons were probably influenced by the images of kings and nature spirits also crafted in North India at that time, featuring similar expansive chests and elevated right hands.