Scene from the Mandhata-avadana

India, probably Guntur-Krishna districts, Andhra Pradesh

2nd–3rd century CE

Not on view

Returned to lender

This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.

This scene is based on the rise and downfall of the once-virtuous King Mandhata, an avadana story from the genre of Buddhist literature concerned with karmic actions and their consequences. In this version, a world sovereign (cakravartin) wields miraculous powers that he acquired through practicing virtuous kingship according to the laws of the Dharma. Having brought prosperity and happiness to his subjects, over time he becomes infatuated with his own powers. His ambitions know no bounds, and he seeks to conquer even the worlds of the gods. When he presumes to sit upon the throne of Indra, king of the heavens, he is cast down to earth. Here the mighty cakravartin is seen trampling the defenses of the naga world, one of Indra’s heavenly defenses.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Scene from the Mandhata-avadana
Period: Ikshvaku
Date: 2nd–3rd century CE
Culture: India, probably Guntur-Krishna districts, Andhra Pradesh
Medium: Limestone
Dimensions: H. 28 3/8 in. (72 cm); W. 19 7/16 in. (49.3 cm); D. 4 3/4 in. (17 cm)
Classification: Sculpture
Credit Line: Lent by Museum für Asiatische Kunst – Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Rights and Reproduction: bpk Bildagentur / Museum fuer Asiatische Kunst, Staatliche Museen / Iris Papadopoulos / Art Resource, NY
Curatorial Department: Asian Art