Bharhut: Life of the Buddha - King Prasenajit Visiting the Buddha

INDIA, Madhya Pradesh, Bharhut

This railing post represents one of King Prasenajit’s frequent visits to the Buddha, who is here symbolized by a garlanded Dharma wheel according to the inscription on the roof at the top. Turbaned figures are located to either side with their palms joined in reverence, and one of them may be the king himself. The arched city gateway with riders going through is on the bottom right. The king is seen being driven in his chariot with figures riding ahead to the left of the Buddha’s vihara. More riders emerge on the right, with the foremost rider on an elephant. The filling of all the available space to represent a continuous composite scene is typical of Bharhut sculptures.