Sanchi Stupa 1: Life of the Buddha - Return to Kapilavastu

INDIA, Madhya Pradesh, Sanchi

The relief is found on the back of the north column on the eastern gateway. The narrative is divided into three registers as an inset. The action proceeds from the top downwards in a serpentine manner, interspersed by architectural and natural details.
The procession led by King Suddhodana starts at the top left corner as his mounted entourage passes through the city of Kapilavastu with the citizens looking on from balconies. The middle register has the procession moving out of the gates. The top of the gateway is filled with soldiers as the king passes beneath in his chariot, preceded by musicians.
An increase of trees and foliage indicates the procession has moved into the woods. A banyan tree surrounded by a fence is said to represent the Buddha according to the aniconic theory. A horizontal tablet floating in mid-air may represent a miraculous act of levitation. King Suddhodana, to the right of the tree, is surrounded by elders of the Sakya clan, all gazing up in awe.