Indian and Himalayan Art Votive Plaque (Sachcha) of Buddha Calling the Earth to Witness Made in Bihar, India, AsiaProbably made in Bodhgaya, Bihar, India, Asia Pala-Sena Dynasty (750-1100)?, c. 10th - 11th century Artist/maker unknown, India Terracotta Currently not on view 1921-36-18 Purchased with the George W. B. Taylor Fund, 1921 |
LabelSachcha is the Sanskrit term for a votive plaque made of wet clay impressed with a mold. Sachchas were probably taken home by devotees as sacred mementos of their pilgrimages to Bodhgaya and other holy places. On this sachcha, Buddha calls the earth to witness beneath a stylized depiction of the Mahabodhi temple at Bodhgaya. Around the temple are stupas of various sizes, evoking the profusion of votive stupas in the temple compound. Below is inscribed the Buddhist creed. |
