Bihar: Buddha and Attendants

INDIA, Bihar

This work, believed to have been created during the Pala period (circa 8th–12th century), was unearthed in Bihar. The Buddha has a prominent usnisa covered in dense curly hair, and the earlobes are elongated and slightly curved. A thin robe covers the left shoulder and has clearly defined folds. While the left hand rests on the lap with the palm upwards, the Buddha forms the bhumisparsa (earth-touching) mudra with the right hand. On a lotus throne, the Buddha sits in full lotus posture. The Buddha’s nimbus is surrounded with flames and bands of twisted beads. An inscription follows the curvature of the nimbus. Branches of the Bodhi tree form a canopy above the nimbus and there is a stupa on either side. Other reliefs produced during this period feature similar stupas. It is believed that the stupa may symbolize the existence of past and present Buddhas or the spread of Buddhism.
Maitreya Bodhisattva is located to the Buddha’s left. The Bodhisattva holds a dragon flower in the left hand while the right hand forms the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra. Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva is on the right side, holding a lotus, and forming the varada (wish-granting) mudra. Both Bodhisattvas stand in the tribhanga posture on lotus pedestals. They wear ornate headdresses and are adorned with various pieces of jewelry. The sacred thread is visibly worn by both and runs from the left shoulder across the body.
The platform supporting the lotus throne is divided into three panels with guardian lions on the outside panels. The goddess Bhumi kneels on the left of the middle panel, and the donor is on the right.