Amaravati: Life of the Buddha

INDIA, Andhra Pradesh, Amaravati; Satavahana period

The relief was unearthed at Amaravati and once belonged on a railing of which both ends are now missing. Two stories are depicted on the relief, and both relate to the Buddha’s existence in Tusita Heaven before his final birth. They include scenes of him teaching as a Bodhisattva and Queen Maya’s Dream. Projecting columns add to the sense of depth separate the panels. Experts believe the relief dates to the Satavahana period (circa 200 BCE–250 CE) due to the stylistic details of the composition and the long limbs of the figures.
The panel on the left depicts the future Buddha teaching while seated on a throne. He is dressed like a Bodhisattva with one hand in the vitarka (teaching) mudra and surrounded by heavenly beings with their palms joined in reverence.
The panel in the center shows two heavenly beings at the top holding a parasol and a banner, while two dwarfs follow them, carrying a shrine with an elephant. The elephant is being carried towards the next scene, where it will enter the womb of Queen Maya. Heavenly dancers and musicians are at the bottom. The panel on the right depicting Queen Maya asleep on a bed with the four Heavenly Kings stationed at the corners while eight ladies-in-waiting attend her. The small white elephant of which the queen dreams is entering the scene from above.