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Elephant Carrying Relics

2nd century AD
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
In this coping fragment from the railing at the Bharhut stupa, a richly adorned elephant appears with two riders, one of whom holds a circular container reliquary. Following the Buddha’s death at Kushinagar, in northern India, his corporeal remains were shared among eight contesting parties. One recipient is shown here returning to his kingdom with his share protected in the large reliquary borne on the head of the elephant. Behind him, a banner bearer holds on precariously, adding to the sense of urgency of the journey. Elsewhere on the railing (now reconstructed at the Indian Museum, Kolkata), the other honored recipients are depicted similarly transporting the precious relics to their homelands for interring in grand stupas.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Elephant Carrying Relics
  • Period: Shunga
  • Date: 2nd century AD
  • Culture: India (Bharhut)
  • Medium: Red sandstone
  • Dimensions: H. 17 11/16 in. (45 cm); W. 16 1/8 in. (41 cm); D. 4 3/4 in. (12 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Lent by Allahabad Museum, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
  • Rights and Reproduction: Photo by Theirry Ollivier
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art