The First Sermon (Dharmachakrapravartana)

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Time Period
C. 2nd Century CE, Kushana, Gandhara

Location Found
Loriyan Tangai (North-West part of Undivided India)

Dimension
H: 40, W: 11.5, L: 69 cm

Material
Schist

Number Assigned
Accession No. 5054/ A23277
Indian Museum, Kolkata, West Bengal

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This exquisite Gandhara schist relief from the 2nd century CE portrays the First Sermon (Dharmachakrapravartana) at Sarnath, marking the Buddha’s first teaching after enlightenment. The Buddha, seated in dharmachakra mudra, expounds the Four Noble Truths to his five ascetic disciples, surrounded by celestial beings and attendants. Beneath his throne, the Wheel of Dharma flanked by deer symbolizes the Deer Park at Sarnath. The sculpture exemplifies Greco-Buddhist artistry, harmonizing spiritual expression with refined naturalism, embodying the moment Buddha’s teachings began to spread.

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