Buddha With Attendant, Jhajjar

Description

This sculpture exemplifies the distinctive characteristics of Gandhara art, dating back to the Kushana period. At its center, the Buddha is depicted seated upon a lotus pedestal, engaged in the act of preaching. Flanking the Buddha are two Bodhisattvas: Avalokiteshvara on the left and Maitreya on the right. Additionally, on both sides of the Buddha's lotus seat, a lay worshipper is portrayed in a kneeling position, likely representing Luhasudatta and his wife, as referenced in the Divyavadana and the Vinaya of the Mula Sarvastivadins. Above the Buddha, several figures are illustrated, potentially representing flying gandharvas, with two of them seated on a lotus.