Last Existence: Competitions

Part of a frieze relief showing two scenes from the Competitions. In order to win the young Yaśodharā over, Prince Siddhārtha proves his physical prowess and skills in archery, swordsmanship, wrestling, and other athletic practices. The scenes are separated by an encased semi-column of the Gandharan-Corinthian type. A third encased semi-column of the Gandharan-Corinthian type appears on the left end of the relief. The base consists of a plain fillet and the cornice of two superimposed plain fillets. The back face shows regular deep vertical tool marks. On the proper right of the bottom side there is a rectangular socket. The first scene on the right shows the Cutting of a Bundle of Reeds. Siddhārtha is asked to cut a bundle of reeds in one sword blow; at first, he seems to fail, but actually the cut is so sharp that the severed part of the bundle remains in place. Siddhārtha is depicted twice at the sides of a bunch of tied reeds holding a sword and shield. The next scene illustrates the Wrestling Competition. Siddhārtha has to wrestle with other competitors to prove his worth. Two male figures are wrestling, holding each other’s laṅgoṭī. At their left, there is a flowing ribbon (?) on top of the figured field. On the opposite side, a male figure – perhaps Yaśodharā’s father – is standing slightly turned to his right, but looking at the contestants tilting his head. He wears uttarīya and paridhāna, a turban, a thick necklace, and bangles. His right hand is raised, while the left rests on the hip. Between this figure and the wrestlers, a male head emerges from the background wearing a turban and a thick necklace.