Sanchi Stupa 1: Life of the Buddha - Distribution of Relics Among the Eight Kings

INDIA, Madhya Pradesh, Sanchi

The relief is located on the back of the lowest crossbar on the southern gateway, and it depicts accounts from the Dirgha Agama. Seven other kingdoms requested a share of the Buddha’s relics after the Buddha’s cremation in Kushinagar. When they were refused by the king of Kushinagar, the other kings led their troops to attack the city. Drona, the brahmin, eventually suggested the ashes be equally divided and each king took his portion home.
The building in the center represents Kushinagar manned by defenders as the attack takes place. More troops are advancing on either side of the arch. Some kings are mounted on elephants, while another is driving a chariot. Their infantry consists mainly of archers and foot soldiers carrying shields.
A band of musicians playing conch shells and beating drums is in the background in the top left corner. Near them, however, a king holding a reliquary is riding an elephant in the opposite direction. This scene depicts the aftermath, as the hosts return to their own kingdoms. The illustration thus subtly anticipates the ending of the story in the midst of the crowded action.