Swat: Paying Respect to a Stupa

PAKISTAN, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Swat

Stupas containing relics are the focus of considerable devotion. Rulers of various kingdoms fought for the possession of the Buddha’s relics after his cremation. A brahmin named Drona resolved the quarrel by dividing the relics into eight portions. Each ambassador took the relics he received back to his kingdom where they were placed in stupas to be worshipped according to the Buddhacarita. There were nine stupas constructed, as mentioned in the Buddhacarita.
The stupa shown in the relief has a square base and an inverted bowl-shaped body topped with inverted lotus petals. Its spire rests on top of a harmika platform that supports three stacked rings. Four columns with lotus capitals that support three lions are located at each corner of the base, while a set of stairs at the side leads up to a circumambulation platform. Three rows of monks are standing to the right with palms joined and right shoulders bared in reverence. The stupa and columns bear a striking resemblance to those that were created during the rule of King Asoka (reigned circa 269–232 BCE) of Maurya.