The War Over Buddha's Relics

West Gate of Stupa #1, Sanchi

From the rear of the middle architrave. Following the Buddha's death, a most unseemly conflict arose over the distribution of his relics, as claimants from various locales applied to the Malla kings for a portion of the remains, which the Mallas were initially unwilling to grant. In this dramatic scene, besieging armies prepare to attack the Malla city where the relics had been brought (previous page). Fortunately, the conflict was resolved without bloodshed, as a Brahmin named Drona made peace and apportioned the relics equitably.

The scene continues on the left and right ends of the architrave; see the anchor page for its full extent.