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Today, let us once again visit the ancient city of Mathurā, India, to admire the exquisite Buddhist art that flourished here.
In 1862 CE (2405 BE), the renowned archaeologist Alexander Cunningham excavated a site known as Katra Mound, located near Mathurā. Among the many valuable artifacts discovered was a particularly beautiful seated Buddha image in the Abhaya Mudrā (gesture of fearlessness).
This statue is a clear example of pure Mathurān artistry, distinct from the Gupta-style Buddha images such as those created by Venerable Yasathinna. The stone material used is also different. Standing on each side of the Buddha are two Bodhisattvas, a feature that clearly reflects the influence of the Mahāyāna Buddhist tradition.
Though the prabhāmaṇḍala (halo) behind the Buddha is partially broken, the statue remains impressive. Given the passage of 1,890 years, we would not have known the identity of the sculptor had it not been for the inscription carved into its base.
The Inscription
The inscription, written in Hybrid Sanskrit using the Brāhmī script, consists of two lines. It was translated by the French scholar Gerard Fussman. The content is as follows:
Transliterated Sanskrit:
Mahārājasya Kaniṣkasya saṁ 4 varṣa 3 di 26 bhikṣusya Bodhisenasya saddhievihārisya bhadantasya Dharmanandisya bodhisattvo pratiṣṭhāpito svakāyaṁ cetiyakūṭeyaṁ saha mātāpitiḥi saha pitāsikāye Bhadraye saha sarvasattvehi
English Translation:
"In the 4th year of King Kaniṣka the Great, in the 3rd month of the rainy season, on the 26th day, this Bodhisattva image was established by Venerable Dharmanandi, the faithful monastery resident and disciple of Bhikṣu Bodhisena, at his own sacred stupa site. It was dedicated together with his father and mother, his paternal aunt Bhadra, and for the benefit of all sentient beings."
Summary:
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The creator of this sacred Bodhisattva image was Venerable Dharmanandi, a disciple of Venerable Bodhisena.
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The statue was dedicated at Dharmanandi’s own religious site (cetiya-kūṭa).
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It was offered together with his parents and his father’s sister, Bhadra, in merit for all living beings—an expression of Mahāyāna compassion.
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The date of creation corresponds to year 4 of King Kaniṣka's reign, which is estimated as 674 BE (170 CE).
As of today (2025 CE / 2568 BE), this statue is approximately 1,890 years old.
The Statue’s Journey:
After its discovery, Cunningham preserved the statue at the Archaeological Survey of India’s Mathurā office, as there was no museum at the time. Eventually, it was transferred abroad and is now on display at the Kimbell Art Museum in Texas, United States, where it remains to this day.
Reflection:
This single statue, created nearly two millennia ago by a devoted teacher and his family, encapsulates an entire narrative of artistic tradition, religious lineage, and boundless compassion. From ancient Mathurā to a modern Western museum, the image continues to shine as a timeless beacon of Buddhist faith and heritage.
"Chiselled with faith, carried by time—Venerable Dharmanandi’s offering continues to inspire across continents and centuries."