Life of the Buddha - Distribution of Relics Among the Eight Kings

PAKISTAN

It is related that after the Buddha’s passing into parinirvana, seven kings sent envoys demanding his relics from the Malla Kingdom, in whose city he had been cremated. A passing brahmin named Drona divided the relics into eight portions and diverted an impending war.
The relief shown here originally decorated a stupa’s base and consists of two registers. The right side of the lower register depicts the envoys returning home with their portion of relics, while the left side shows each kingdom building stupas to enshrine the venerated remains and paying reverence. Above this event is a decorative checkered pattern. The upper register consists of ogee-arched niches with seated Buddhas or heavenly beings inside. Between the niches are double-tier stupas inside a rectangular frame. The veneration of stupas is often depicted in Gandharan art.