This was undoubtedly one of the terminal or corner posts of the
railing and its returns at the four gateways, as it is decorated
on two adjacent faces. Unfortunately when put to use later, it was
cut horizontally to yield four quarters so that half of each of
the panels is missing. The railing motif divides the post into panels, each of
which is provided with a pair of pilasters with campaniform lotus
capitals and a roll bracket. The upper panel of one of the
preserved faces depicts Prince Vessantara confirming the gift of
his two children to the Brahman Jujaka by pouring water from an
ewer. The lower panel shows the four horses of a chariot, and
three figures perhaps to be identified with the Brahman mendicants
to whom the generous Prince donated his chariot. The fragmentary panel on top of the other face shows an
elephant, to be identified with Paccaya, who was also gifted by
the Prince even though the prosperity of a kingdom depended upon
its possession. In the lower panel we again see the prince riding
on a chariot driven by four horses. At the bottom of the post,
there are crouching Yakas, supporting the panel above. |
