Key Discovery: The Kanishka-Era Inscription
In 1862 (2406 BE), archaeologist Alexander Cunningham unearthed a headless red sandstone Buddha statue at Sahet-Mahet (ancient Sravasti), bearing a pivotal Brahmi inscription:
"In the 19th year of Mahārāja Devaputra Kanishka, this Bodhisattva [image], along with an umbrella and incense, was donated by the Tripitaka-master Bhikshu Bala, disciple of Bhikshu Pushyavuddhi, at the Buddha’s walking path (Chankramana) near the Kosambakuti in Sravasti—for the teachers of the Sarvāstivādin school."
5 Critical Revelations:
Royal Patronage: Confirms Kanishka’s rule (c. 127–150 CE) over Sravasti.
Sacred Geography: Pinpoints the Kosambakuti (Buddha’s monsoon retreat) within Jetavana.
Sectarian Identity: The monastery was managed by the Sarvāstivādins ("All Exists" school), dominant in North India.
Monastic Lineage: Names two monks—Bala (a Tripitaka scholar) and his teacher Pushyavuddhi.
Parallel Donations: Similar statues were installed at Mrigadava (Deer Park), showing the sect’s pan-Gangetic influence.
Historical Context
Xuanzang’s Account (630 CE): Noted Jetavana’s decline but mentioned Ashokan pillars with elephant/lion capitals.
Queen Kumaradevi’s Restoration (5th c. CE): Revived the site under Abbot Buddhabhattaraka, but by 700 CE, it was abandoned.
Why Sarvāstivādins?
Doctrine: Their belief in the reality of all dharmas (past/present/future) aligned with Kanishka’s Fourth Buddhist Council (Kashmir).
Artistic Legacy: The statue’s Greco-Buddhist style matches Gandharan workshops under Kushan patronage.
Where to See the Artifact
The inscribed statue is displayed at the Indian Museum, Kolkata (Gallery No. 4).
Did You Know? The Kosambakuti was where the Buddha delivered the Kosambiya Sutta—on monastic harmony!
(Source: Epigraphia Indica, Vol. 8, 1905–06, p. 181)
