Loriyan Tangai: Stupa

PAKISTAN, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar

The stupa has a square base followed by a circular base, then the inverted bowl-shaped body. A harmika sits on top of the stupa, which is then topped with seven stacked rings that add significantly to the height. The rings decrease in size to form a pointed tip.
The reliefs featured on the square base are exceptionally well-preserved and tell the story of the Buddha’s life from right to left. Each face features two scenes, so there are eight in total. The rounded base and the body of the stupa are decorated with reliefs of seated Buddhas and other religious imagery. A niche containing Buddhas and Bodhisattvas is located at the front.
Most Gandharan stupas of significant size no longer exist, so it is only through small stupas like this that scholars can deduce their design and decorations.