Nagarjunakonda: Stupa Relief

INDIA, Andhra Pradesh

The design of the stupa shown here is similar to those illustrated at Amaravati. A cakravartin, or wheel-turning king, poses at the entrance with one arm raised high. The king is surrounded by seven treasures: the jewel in one hand, the horse, elephant, and wheel are located behind him, while the queen, minister, and the general are on either side. A rectangular panel carved with a seated Buddha surrounded by disciples is located above the king, and five pillars are erected above the panel.
Beside the entrance, two dwarves stand guard carrying bowls on top of their heads. Next to the guards, people go about their daily business. The stupa’s body is decorated with scenes from the Life of the Buddha and decorative banded reliefs. A harmika platform mounted with a canopy is featured at the top with yaksas and apsaras dancing about the sides.