The First Sermon (Dharmachakrapravartana)
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 […]
Upendra Maharathi- Nature Despair’s the Mahaparinirvana of Buddha
Maharathi portrays the Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana as an ascent into an ethereal, transcendent state. The serene, idealised face with closed eyes conveys profound peace and release. The luminous, gentle face is contrasted with dynamic, flame-like bursts of ochre, red, and golden energy in the swirling background. This visual dichotomy suggests the release of spiritual energy as […]
Worship of the Relic Casket
This Gandhara schist sculpture depicts the worship of the relic casket, a sacred container believed to enshrine the corporeal remains or possessions of the Buddha. A reverent devotee is shown standing beside the draped relic casket placed under an ornamental canopy, symbolizing deep devotion and respect. The scene reflects the Gandhara School’s Greco-Buddhist synthesis, combining […]
Worship of the Relics
The Worship of Relics relief from the Gandhara School of Art portrays devotees paying homage to a reliquary stupa draped with cloth, symbolizing the Buddha’s enduring presence after his Parinirvana. Carved in gray schist, the scene shows elegantly dressed figures offering flowers and gestures of reverence. The detailed drapery and architectural framing reflect Greco-Roman influence, […]
Transportation of Corporeal Relics of Buddha
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 […]
Plaque Depicting Twelve Deeds of Sakyamuni Buddha
The 12 Deeds of the Buddha, illustrated in this 18th-century Tibetan brass and copper plaque (Accession No. 57.86/2), highlight key milestones in the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha. They narrate his spiritual journey from celestial realms to ultimate liberation and serve as foundational teachings within Buddhist traditions. The story begins with the Buddha’s […]
Division of the Corporeal Relics of Buddha by Drona
This Gandhara schist relief portrays the division and transportation of the Buddha’s corporeal relics following his Parinirvana. The scene captures figures handling sacred relics with reverence, accompanied by attendants and animals, symbolizing their distribution among various kingdoms. Executed in the Greco-Buddhist style, the composition combines realistic drapery, dynamic movement, and architectural detailing. The relief reflects […]
Devotee Circumambulating a Stupa
This relief fragment from Bharhut features a stupa enclosed by a railing, crafted from red sandstone. The adorned stupa occupies a substantial portion of the fragment, while about one-fourth of the space is dedicated to a female devotee entering the stupa’s enclosure to perform circumambulation (pradakshina). She approaches through one of the arched gateways set […]
Buddha’s coffin
The Buddha’s Coffin relief portrays the Parinirvana, or final passing of the Buddha. Carved in gray schist, it shows monks and disciples gathered around the Buddha’s coffin in deep mourning, under stylized trees representing the sal trees of Kusinagara. Their expressive gestures convey sorrow and reverence. The composition reflects Gandharan artistry, blending Greco-Roman realism with […]
Mahaparinirvana of Lord Buddha
The 12th-century CE Mahaparinirvana Sutra manuscript from the Pala period, catalogued as Acc. No. 60.1653, depicts the Buddha’s final moments before entering Nirvana. It features the Buddha reclining on his right side, encapsulating his transcendence beyond the physical realm. Meticulously crafted and horizontally oriented, the manuscript integrates script and miniature artwork, reflecting a blend of […]