Nagarjunakonda: Life of the Buddha and Mithuna Couples

INDIA, Andhra Pradesh

The frieze contains four medallions interspersed between five rectangular panels that contain reliefs of couples in dalliance. The medallions depict the Buddha’s life and are enclosed in bands of lotus petals, a style borrowed from Amaravati. Starting from the right, the medallions illustrate Prince Siddhartha viewing the sleeping palace dancers and deciding to renounce his royal identity; his secret departure from the palace; his unmoved demeanor during the assault of Mara’s demon horde; and finally the moment of enlightenment. The upper part of the cornice and architrave are decorated with floral motifs. An inscription on the cornice above the frieze states that it was donated by a prosperous merchant and his family during the Ikshvaku period (circa 3rd–4th century).