India: Bronze and silver image of the bodhisattva Manjushri, Bengal, Pala Dynasty, 11th century

The Pala Empire, one of the major middle kingdoms of India, existed from 750–1174 CE. It was ruled by a Buddhist dynasty from Bengal in the eastern region of the Indian subcontinent, all the rulers bearing names ending with the suffix Pala.

Manjushri is seated on his mount, a lion. His relaxed pose, with one leg hanging down, is called lalita-asana and is often found in images of bodhisattvas. On the water lily to the right of Manjushri’s head is his attribute – the book, a symbol of wisdom. Manjushri is making the gesture to set the wheel of doctrine in motion, the dharmacakra mudra.

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Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

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Pictures From History