Kanheri Cave 3: Column Base

INDIA, Maharashtra, Mumbai

Located on the right side of the courtyard, these bas-relief images face the central steps at the base of a column near the entrance to the cave. They are believed to be the earliest artworks in the cave. Just above the column base are a Buddha and two attendant Bodhisattvas standing with legs slightly apart. The Buddha has a nimbus and both hands are raised. The right hand forms the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra, while the left hand grasps the corner of his robe. The two attendant Bodhisattvas have strong physiques, round faces, and wear beaded necklaces.
Below on the column base, there are three niches formed by four pilasters, but the left pilaster has been damaged. In the central niche is an image of what is probably a naga king. A five-headed serpent encircles his head, and the figure has a strong upper body with both hands on the waist and a serpent coiled around the lower body. The standing images on both sides are Dharma protectors depicted with the left hand on the waist and the right raised and holding an object.