The Buddha As Symbols. Hadda, Nangarhar Province.

1965
Buddhism was first introduced to Afghanistan from India by the renowned Maurians ruler Ashoka (268-233 BCE) who was given the princely states south of the Hindutush by Alexander the Great's successor, Seleucus, in exchange for 500 elephants and a princess. The Emperor Ashoka favored the Hinayana (Lesser Vehicle) school of Buddhist thought which portrayed the Buddha only as symbols: a stupa, a wheel, an empty throne, a horse with an empty saddle, a turban, a foot print or, as here, the Triratna (Three Jewels) representing the Buddha, his Law and his Order (h. 26 cm).
Photo: H. Klappert

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Filename: M-HEK-20.jpg
Copyright: acku Afghanistan
Image Size: 6006x4231 / 4.3MB; 1965 Afghanistan Nangarhar Hadda Buddha Symbols India Maurians Ashoka Alexander Stupa Wheel Triratna Three Jewels H. Klappert Slide LD 1965 02058
Contained in galleries: NATIONAL MUSEUM II: CE (Common Era)

1965<br />
Buddhism was first introduced to Afghanistan from India by the renowned Maurians ruler Ashoka (268-233 BCE) who was given the princely states south of the Hindutush by Alexander the Great's successor, Seleucus, in exchange for 500 elephants and a princess. The Emperor Ashoka favored the Hinayana (Lesser Vehicle) school of Buddhist thought which portrayed the Buddha only as symbols: a stupa, a wheel, an empty throne, a horse with an empty saddle, a turban, a foot print or, as here, the Triratna (Three Jewels) representing the Buddha, his Law and his Order (h. 26 cm). <br />
Photo: H. Klappert