Standing Buddha

Standing Buddha

Ht. 37 inches Chabahil, Deopatan 5th century A.D.

One of the oldest images of the Standing Buddha was located within the complex of Chabahil Stupa (PI. 1). Actually, the image of the Buddha stood in front of the local houses, as seen in the photograph (PIS. 2 & 3). The image appeared to be deliberately detached by chiseling from the bas-relief panel, as indicated by transversed grooves on the back. The Buddha was shown standing on a simple flat dais with curly hair, round face, thick lips, down-cast eyes and broad shoulders reminiscent of the Sarnath school. Both the arms were mutilated. The modelling and treatment of the stele were smooth and the garment of the Buddha was diaphanous. However, the posture of the standing Buddha looked rather awkward and not very graceful in contrast to other standing Buddhas of the Licchavi period. A minute observation would reveal that the left knee of the Chabahil Buddha was slightly bent and awkwardly brought forward.

There were few a unsuccessful attempts previousl\ to lift this image. Once the thieves had tried to take away this Buddha image, but because it was heav\ and bulky, they left it behind. The next morning, il was found hidden behind the bushes a few hundrcrl yards away. It was brought back and reinstalled in thc same place by the local people. It was not known when and from where this image was brought here Presumably, it was brought here from a nearhi monastery. However, in the night of July, 1985, th15 priceless treasure of ancient sculpture Was stolen and lost forever.

PUBLISHED
Pratapaditya Pal, The Arts of Nepal, Pt. 1 S~ulpture.
(LeidenIKoln, 1974), Fig. 166.
Pratapaditya Pal, Buddhist Art in Licchavi Nepal
“Marg” Publication, Bombay, vol. XXVII, No. 3 Uunc
1974), Fig. 48.
De Rouvre Evrard, Guide Tourisrque, Editions Robul-
(Paris, 1976), P. 34.
Lain S. Bangdel, 2500 Years of Nepalese Art, VEB A.E
Seemann Verlag (Leipzig GDR, 1987), PI. 138.