West Gate, 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, the 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 endpieces of the architrave.
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