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Frieze (Period IV) It has rail pattern
and three scenes. On the right is the descent of the Bodhisattva,
at the centre is the stupa worship and on the left is the worship of the dharmacakra.
The inscription means, "Success! Gift of a slab at the northern gate by the young monk Vidhika,
disciple of the revered Naga, who resides at Kudura, and by his woman
disciple Budharakhita and by her grand-daughter Cula Budharakhita." |
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Fragment (Period
I)
On the left there is a border of lotus and other
flowers. In the border at the centre, a human figure with peculiar head-dress, heavy ear-rings
and simple dress is shown. (Similar features are found in the figures from Bharhut
and Sanchi). On the right is a man with hands joined together, riding a horse. |
Coping
Fragment (Period III )
The sculpture depicts
the story of Ghoshaka, the fortunate (Ghoshakasetthi Upatti).
The treasurer of Kosambi was told by astrologers that a boy
born on a particular day would succeed him as treasurer. Though his wife was preganent a son
was not born to him on the appointed day. The unfortunate treasurer then searched for the boy
born on that day who happended to be Ghoshaka, the cast-away son of a courtesan. The
treasurer then tried his best to kill this child. Meanwhile years elapsed. At last the
treasurer sent Ghoshaka to his superintendent in the village with a letter which was
nothing but Ghoshaka's death warrant. On the way Ghoshaka took rest in
the district treasurer's house where the letter was seen by his daughter who desiring to marry
Ghoshaka, tore the letter, and substituted another instructing the superintendent to
get Ghoshaka married to her. The marriage took place and subsquently Ghoshaka became
the treasurer of Kosambi.
At the top right corner of the sculpture, Ghoshaka is shown
sleeping and a woman, the daughter of the district treasurer, approching him. The lamp in her
hand suggests that it is night. Lower down the turbaned superintendent is conducting the
treasurer's daughter to get her married to Ghoshaka. On the right is the newly built
mansion which Ghoshaka and his bride are shown entering.
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