Buddhist Relief

This stone relief from Gummadiduru is a fragmented stone encasement for a stupa, the relic mound of Buddha. Here, Buddha is depicted “aniconically” (through symbols rather than in human form). The flaming pillar in the center refers to Buddha’s teaching, the empty throne and cushion below represents his enlightenment, and the footstool imprinted with his footprints symbolizes his presence.

The elaborately composed design and delicately carved relief are typical characteristics of the Amaravati sculpture style from South India in the late Andhra dynasty (220 B.C.–236 A.D.). The attendant human figures and animals here are treated in a softer and flowing manner. In contrast to the more geometrical Kushan style of northern India.