Seven Jewels and the Book of Worship

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Time Period
C. 10th Century CE, Pala

Location Found
Bodhgaya, Bihar

Dimension
L: 57.8, W: 6.5, H: 14 cm

Material
Basalt

Number Assigned
Accession No. 6287/ A22326
Indian Museum, Kolkata, West Bengal

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This Pala School stone relief illustrates the Seven Jewels (Saptaratna) and the Book of Worship, key symbols of both spiritual and temporal sovereignty in Buddhism. The panel includes the Wheel, Elephant, Horse, Jewel, Queen, Minister, and General, representing the perfections of a universal ruler (Chakravartin). Above, rows of seated Buddhas emphasize the continuity of enlightenment. The detailed craftsmanship and balanced composition embody the Pala dynasty’s artistic sophistication, merging religious symbolism with elegant stone carving to convey the essence of Buddhist kingship and devotion.

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