Transportation of Corporeal Relics of Buddha

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

Location found
Yusufzai (North-West part of Undivided India)

Dimension
H: 20.3, W: 4.7, L: 49.5 cm

Material
Schist

Number Assigned
Accession No. 2437/ A23466 (GR – 54)
Indian Museum, Kolkata, West Bengal

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The Transportation of the Corporeal Relics of the Buddha from the Gandhara School depicts the solemn procession carrying the Buddha’s relics after his Parinirvana. Carved in gray schist, the relief shows devotees and attendants escorting a reliquary, accompanied by royal figures and musicians. The composition reflects Gandharan realism—detailed drapery, expressive figures, and architectural framing—while emphasizing the sacred duty of preserving the Buddha’s remains. This narrative relief captures both devotional reverence and ceremonial grandeur, typical of Gandharan Buddhist art.

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