The Beginnings of Buddhist Art and Other Essays in Indian and Central-Asian Archaeology c11.s1.11

c11.s1.11

I. SOUTH-EASTERN CORNER. — We shall begin our *pradakshiṇâ*, according to rule, at the gate facing the east, which formerly constituted the principal entrance. The proof, if any is needed, is given by the fact that here begins on the upper series of bas-reliefs, the legend of the Buddha Çâkya-muni. The 30 pictures of this series which are comprised between the eastern and southern staircases exhibit the very early events of his last life, from the preparations for his descent from the heaven Tushita until, and including, his last rebirth upon earth. Of the 30 corresponding panels of the lower row the first twenty are, as Dr. S. d'Oldenburg has briefly recognized, dedicated to the legend of Prince Sudhana. We propose, with the aid of the text of the Divyâvadâna (¹), to enter into the details of this identification, which may be regarded as definitive : we shall, at the same time, detect the methods of the sculptors.