In the section titled 'Popular Traditions', we analyze the integration of local cultural elements into Buddhist art and sculpture, particularly at the Sanchi site. This integration transformed how Buddhist narratives were communicated through art. For instance, while many sculptures are directly associated with Buddhist teachings, others are interpretations of local lore and symbolism. One such prominent figure is the shalabhanjika – depicted as a beautiful woman symbolically linked to fertility and prosperity. This suggests that while Buddhism established itself, it did not erase local traditions but rather absorbed and enriched them. Animals carved into the sculptures, like elephants, also carry symbolic weight, representing traits such as strength and wisdom. Overall, this section emphasizes the dialogic nature of art, where different traditions coexist and influence one another.