Mathura: King Sibi Jataka

INDIA, Uttar Pradesh, Mathura

This railing from Bhuteshwar, Mathura, depicts the Jataka tale of King Sibi who, in order to save a dove from being eaten by a hawk, cuts his own flesh to feed it. The relief is divided into three episodes, bordered and divided by architectural elements: domes at the top, columns, balconies and windows below.
The upper register shows King Sibi seated on a throne with the left hand sheltering the dove. An attendant with a whisk is to the right, while the hawk is perched above on a column and looking down at the king. The middle register depicts a servant weighing flesh from Sibi’s thigh on the scales. Trees are visible beyond a wall. Damage makes the bottom register difficult to decipher. A tree is visible and it has been conjectured that Sakra is showing his true form and praising King Sibi for his compassion.