Indian Art: A History of Indian Art from the Earliest Times up to the Third Century A.D. c14.14

c14.14

North of Sahri-bahlol is Takht-e-bahi of which the ancient name is unknown, where the Stūpas and Vihāras with colossal statues have been found which include numerous statues of Buddha and Bodhisattvas, life-scenes and Jātaka scenes and also bas-reliefs of Kubra and Hārītī. To the south of Charsadda below the Kabul river is Shah-ji-ki-dheri on the new route where the excavations have exposed a monument identified with the grand Stūpa of Kanishka. In its relic chamber was discovered the reliquary of Kanishka made of ‘gilt copper alloy cylinder and lid, of total height of 7¾ inches. On the lid are a seated nimbate Buddha and Indra and Brahmā, around the rim a series of hamsas with extended wings; and on the cylinder are seated Buddhas, a representation of Kanishka, and the sun and moon deities, with garland-bearing Erotes. The inscription mentions the names of Kanishka and Agiśala, the Greek craftsman by whom it was made.’ [Fig. 191].