The Instigation of Siddhartha Gray Schist Ancient Region of Gandhara, Kushan Period

A frieze with five standing figures all wearing monastic robes tied around the waist, the long end of which is draped over the left shoulder leaving the right shoulder bear. The central figure is Prince Siddartha, depicted with a moustache standing in a slight tribhanga with his left hand on his hip, the right hand forming the gesture of reassurance (abhaya mudra). A halo behind his turbaned head denotes his spirituality. He is flanked by two figures, the one on his right is probably Brahma, who like Siddhartha, wears a turban and moustache, his hands appear to be clasped together at the chest. The figure on his left is probably Indra who also has a moustache and cups his hands as if holding something, and is also turbaned. Either side of the three central figures stand two devotees, the one on Brahmas right holds his hands in the gesture of adoration (anjali) while the figure to the left of Indra holds a handful of tiny flower heads.

Texts recount the story of how Brahma and Indra appear to Siddhartha either before or after his repulsion of the sleeping women and urge him to leave the Palace and denounce his worldly wealth. They promise to oversee his departure and ensure his enlightenment.

Compare: Kurita, I.; Gandhara Art I The Buddha’s Life Story, Japan, 2003,p. 23, fig. 12.