This Buddha is one of the three earliest datable sculptures associated with the Gilgit Kingdom, today in northern Pakistan. All were commissioned by Queen Mangalahamsika, known from Gilgit manuscripts to have been the senior queen to King Vajraditayanandi, who reigned about A.D. 600. The Sanskrit donor inscription, engraved on the front cartouche states: "Om. This is a pious gift. This pious gift was ordered to be made by the Shri Paramadevi [Highest Queen] Mangalahamsika" (transl. O. von Hinueber). This sculpture is a seminal work in the history of early Buddhist art of the Himalayan region.
