Jamal Garhi: Buddha Triad

PAKISTAN, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Jamal Garhi

This sculpture was unearthed from Jamal Garhi and depicts the Buddha accompanied by two Bodhisattvas, which gives an insight into the Mahayana iconography of this period.
The three figures have plain nimbuses which merge into the damaged portion above. The Buddha wears a monastic robe that leaves the right shoulder bare, revealing an under robe beneath. He is seated in full lotus position on a lotus throne with hands probably in Dharmacakra (Dharma wheel) mudra. The two Bodhisattvas stand with feet apart on lotus pedestals. The Bodhisattva on the right is thought to be Avalokitesvara. Although the hands are damaged, they seem to be held in the abhaya (fearlessness) and varada (wish-granting) mudras. The Bodhisattva’s hair is tied in a high topknot on which is a seated Buddha figure. The upper body is ornamented with a necklace and a stole that loops over the skirt below. The other Bodhisattva, presumed to be Maitreya, has braided hair looped on the head and wears a monastic robe over the left shoulder. Both hands are missing.
A brazier on a pillar flanked by two figures is on the base. The male and female kneeling figures have their heads raised to gaze at the Buddha and their palms joined in reverence.