Name/TitleThe Buddhist Distribution of the Relics, The British Museum, 1966,1017.1

About this objectThis panel carved of schist was made in the Swat Valley in the Kushan empire (1st to 3rd c.) to adorn a stupa. It is slightly curved showing that it would have been one of a frieze of images from the Buddha's life which were placed around the bottom of the dome for worshippers as they circumabulated the stupa.
The eight reliquaries are on a large table which has carved legs and which is covered with a richly decorated textile. After the Buddha's cremation a dispute arose over the division of his remains, and hostilities were prevented by the Brahmin Droṇa who distributed the relics. Here Droṇa is shown standing behind the table.

Date Made1st to 2nd century

PeriodKushan

Place MadeSwat

Subject and Association KeywordsRelics

Subject and Association KeywordsStupas

Subject and Association DescriptionLearn More: Casalini 2022; Srinivasan 1997; Zwalf 1985; Zwalf 1996.

Medium and MaterialsSchist

TechniqueCarved

Measurements5.5 x 22.5 x 37.5 cm

Credit LineThe Trustees of the British Museum

Object numberEXH74: 1966,1017.1