About the Sandalwood Buddha statue:
- The Buddha figure, made of pure sandalwood, has hand carvings along with traditional designs and natural scenes.
- In this posture, Buddha is sitting in ‘dhyana mudra’ under the Bodhi tree.
- The ‘dhyana mudra’ is the mudra of meditation and the attainment of spiritual perfection.
- According to tradition, this mudra derives from the one assumed by the Buddha when meditating under the Bodhi tree before his enlightenment.
- The obverse of the image has an intricate carving of the Bodhi tree.
- The Kadamwood Jali Box in which the statue was encased is also considered auspicious in Indian culture.
- The art of sandalwood carving is an exquisite and ancient craft that has been practised in Karnataka for centuries.
Key facts about the sandalwood tree
- Indian Sandalwood is a dry deciduous forest species native to China, India, Indonesia, Australia, and the Philippines
- It has been an important part of Indian culture for centuries and is widely regarded as one of the most valuable and prized woods in the world.
- Major Growing areas in India: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.
Q1) What is special about Kadambawood?
Kadamba or Kadam is honored with a scientific name – “Neolamarckia cadamba,” also commonly known as “Bur flower tree.” It is a fast-growing, evergreen tropical tree with unique flowers native to South and Southeast Asia.
Source: PM Modi gifts sandalwood Buddha statue to Japanese PM Fumio Kishida
Last updated on June, 2025
→ UPSC Notification 2025 was released on 22nd January 2025.
→ UPSC Prelims Result 2025 is out now for the CSE held on 25 May 2025.
→ UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2025 and Unofficial Prelims Answer Key 2025 are available now.
→ UPSC Calendar 2026 is released on 15th May, 2025.
→ The UPSC Vacancy 2025 were released 1129, out of which 979 were for UPSC CSE and remaining 150 are for UPSC IFoS.
→ UPSC Mains 2025 will be conducted on 22nd August 2025.
→ UPSC Prelims 2026 will be conducted on 24th May, 2026 & UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st August 2026.
→ The UPSC Selection Process is of 3 stages-Prelims, Mains and Interview.
→ UPSC Result 2024 is released with latest UPSC Marksheet 2024. Check Now!
→ UPSC Toppers List 2024 is released now. Shakti Dubey is UPSC AIR 1 2024 Topper.
→ Also check Best IAS Coaching in Delhi