Question

If you did not know about the life of the Buddha, would you be able to tell what the sculpture depicts?

Answer 1

Without knowing about the life of the Buddha, it would be impossible to tell what the sculpture actually depicts. An uninformed viewer would only see a literal, secular scene rather than its deep spiritual meaning. An observer with no background knowledge would only see:

• A caparisoned horse in motion.
• A royal attendant holding a large ceremonial umbrella over an empty saddle.
• Several small, dwarf-like figures (yakshas) holding up the horse’s hooves.
• A bustling crowd surrounding the animal.

A viewer would likely assume this is an ordinary royal procession, a military march, or a king travelling through a city.