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Bharhut: Paying Respect to a Dharma Wheel Pillar
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Bharhut: Paying Respect to a Dharma Wheel Pillar
INDIA, Madhya Pradesh, Bharhut; circa early 1st century BCE; Red sandstone; Diameter: 50 cm; Indian Museum, Kolkata, India
A wheel with sixteen spokes that is supported on a railing post is the focus of devotion in this medallion. The focus of this carving is on the details, with the rest of the imagery serving more a decorative than a documentary purpose. Commonly found on Asoka pillars, the pillar has a reversed lotus bell. Two female devotees are kneeling with palms joined in reverence close to bell. The figure on the left has placed a bowl of flowers as offering. Behind each female figure stand male devotees, also with palms joined, and one is holding a garland. More garlands fill the available space of the medallion. |
