In 1880 CE (B.E. 2423), Mr. Charles Masson, a British explorer, conducted excavations at the ruins of a Buddhist site in the Jalalabad Valley, Afghanistan. He unearthed a stupa named Bimaran Stupa and discovered several ancient artifacts. One of these was a vase or reliquary made from polished soapstone, enshrined inside the stupa. The vase has a diameter of 13.70 centimeters. On its lid is an inscription in Kharosthi script, written in the Prakrit language, which reads:
"Bhagavata sirirehi (s̄rirehi) Sivarakhitasa (Sivarakṣitasa) Mujhavandaputrasa danamuhe"
On the side of the vase, another inscription in Kharosthi reads:
"Sivarakhitasa Mujhavandaputrasa danamuhe niyatite bhagavata sarirahi sarvabuddhanam pujayate"
Translation:
“The sacred relics (sarira) of the Blessed One (Bhagavat), respectfully offered by Sivarakṣita, son of Mujhavanda, as an act of worship to all Buddhas.”
This reliquary dates to approximately B.E. 700–800 (roughly 2nd–3rd century CE). It is currently on display at the British Museum in London, United Kingdom.
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