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The Chakravartin bas-relief, probbly dating from the first century CE., a masterpiece nof in the British Museum's Amaravati marbels gallery (British Museum)

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This now forms part of the Amaravati marbles gallery at the British Museum and dates from Amaravati’s last phase. Here the Wheel-turning Monarch is magnificently ornamented and wears a cloak of the finest filigree or gauze, his status indicated by the royal umbrella head by the female attendant behind him. Now he has only one counselor and his queen has been outranked by the fly-whisk-bearing Yakshi, or fertility goddess, who stands at the king’s left shoulder.

What is different about this portrayal of the Wheel-turning Monarch is that he is shown in an act of reverence – and he is facing outwards, towards the viewer. The object of his reverence is missing. This was carved on the panel directly above him – which has failed to survive the damage done to Amaravati. This magnificent piece of marble first went on display at the Paris Exhibition in 1867 but its full significance only became apparent sixty years later. Page 94

18 months ago. Edited 18 months ago.

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