Miracle of Sravasti
The Miracle of Śrāvastī from the Gandhara School portrays the Buddha performing the Twin Miracle, emitting flames and water from his body while multiplying his image to manifest his spiritual supremacy. Carved in gray schist, the Buddha sits in dhyana mudra, surrounded by smaller Buddhas and celestial figures. Flames rising from his back symbolize enlightenment […]
The Great Departure
The Great Departure relief depicts Prince Siddhartha leaving his palace to begin his spiritual quest. Carved in gray schist, the scene shows Siddhartha mounted on his horse Kanthaka, attended by celestial beings and courtiers. Two divine figures lift the horse’s hooves to silence his departure, symbolizing the prince’s renunciation of worldly life. Combining Hellenistic realism […]
Nalanda Copperplate Grant
The copper plate was discovered at Nalanda in 1921, containing forty-two lines on the obverse and twenty-four on the reverse. The inscription is written in the early Devanagari script in the Sanskrit language. The inscription runs in prose and verse. The seal bears the name of the reigning Pala King, ‘Shri Devapaladevasya’ or ‘the illustrious Devapala’ is inscribed below […]
Siddhartha going to school
(Lipishala)
Buddha in gesture of fearlessness
(Abhaya mudra)
Birth of Siddhartha
The Birth of Siddhartha from Nalanda, Bihar, created during the Pala period and carved in basalt, depicts Queen Maya Devi grasping a sal tree branch as the infant Siddhartha Gautama miraculously emerges from her side. Surrounding celestial figures and attendants celebrate the divine birth with gestures of reverence and offering. The sculpture’s graceful lines, elaborate […]
Votive Seal with Stupas
This oval-shaped votive terracotta seal is divided into two portions- the upper portion has a row of five stupas and the lower portion bears the inscription of dependent origination or pratityasamutpada. The stupa signifies the Mahaparinirvana of Buddha and the idea of enlightenment. Such votive tablets were used by the monks for their devotion or […]
Maya’s Dream
The Maya’s Dream relief from Gandhara portrays Queen Maya Devi reclining on a couch, dreaming of a white elephant, Tushita entering her womb-a symbol of the Buddha’s miraculous conception. Executed in gray schist, the sculpture reflects the Greco-Buddhist artistic synthesis, combining classical naturalism with Buddhist narrative themes. Attendants and celestial figures surround the queen, enhancing […]
Relic Casket
This hemispherical relic casket, featuring a tiered domed lid crowned with a pointed finial, echoes the architectural form of a stupa, symbolising the sacred presence of the Buddha. Discovered at Piprāhwā-identified with ancient Kapilavastu-this finely crafted piece formed part of the revered assemblage associated with the sacred relics of Śākyamuni Buddha. Its elegant form and […]
Votive Plaque of Avalokiteshvara, and Tara
The terracotta plaque features three intricately detailed socles, each depicting a significant figure from Buddhist tradition. At the topmost socle shows the stupa, symbolizing the embodiment of peace and enlightenment. To one side, Avalokiteshvara is portrayed as the Bodhisattva of compassion, recognisable by his multiple arms and compassionate gaze, symbolising his ability to assist countless […]