Life Scenes of Buddha

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Time Period
C. 5th Century CE, Gupta

Location found
Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh

Dimensions
H: 11,  W: 32, L: 92 cm

Material
Sandstone

Number Assigned
Accession No. S3/ A25098
Indian Museum, Kolkata, West Bengal

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This exquisite relief depicts five principal episodes from the life of Śākyamuni Buddha — his birth, renunciation, enlightenment, first sermon, and Mahāparinirvāṇa. Beginning from the bottom, the scenes unfold sequentially: Queen Māyādevī giving birth, the Great Departure, the defeat of Māra, the Dharmacakra-pravartana at Sārnāth, and finally, the Buddha’s passing. Characteristic of the Sārnāth style, the figures exhibit serene expressions, transparent drapery, and refined modeling, reflecting the Gupta ideals of spiritual grace and harmony.

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