.
Cross-bar with
Sculptured Medallion (Period III)
The sculpture represents the
story of the taming of the fierce elephant, Nalagiri.
The Buddha had a cousin called Devadatta who, impelled by sheer
jealousy wanted to do away with the Buddha. But the fierceness of the animal vanished at the
sight of the Buddha before whom it crouched in all humility.
The sculpture shows on the left the elephant doing havoc in the street. The
people on the balcony watch the scene below with sympathy. On the right, the animal is shown
kneeling before the Buddha who is represented by the flaming pillar (now broken off). Behind
the Buddha's symbol are his disciples.
The umbrella and architectural features such as the gateway towers and
balconies are noteworthy. |