Sánchi and Its Remains
Sanchi. Small miscellaneous drawings.
Small pen and ink drawings by Frederick Charles Maisey, dated 1847-1854, inscribed: 'plate XV' and 'References. fig 1-5. Specimens of miniature stupas. fig 6. Shape of the ordinary Linga and Yoni. figs 7, 8, 9. specimens of miniature sthupas. fig 10. Head of image of Buddha at N Gate. fig 11. Chariot from entablature of N Gate. fig 12. Chariot from S gate. fig 13. [Door-keeper from West gate]. figs 14, 15. Head Stalls of Horses from entablature of W. Gate'.
Lieutenant Maisey spent the cold seasons of 1849-50 and 1850-51 at Sanchi to prepare an illustrated Government report of the antiquities of the site. He was joined by Major Alexander Cunningham in 1851. The result of his work was published in 'Sanchi and its remains' of 1892, illustrated by reproductions of his own drawings.
Pen and ink drawings by Frederick Charles Maisey of Plate XXXV, inscribed: Fig.1. Chatta-shaded Wheel pillar (South Gate).' Fig. 2. 'Sinha-Stambha, supporting a wheel of 16 or 17 radii, or spokes, from No 3 Sthupa.' Fig. 3. 'Wheel, of 24 radii, or spokes, on a pedestal, or altar: from No 2 Sthupa.' These drawings are taken from an album of 60 drawings, dated 1847-1854.
Lieutenant Maisey spent the cold seasons of 1849-50 and 1850-51 at Sanchi to prepare an illustrated Government report of the antiquities of the site. He was joined by Major Alexander Cunningham in 1851.
Fig.1 represents the Dharmachakra pillar which is carved on the south side of the west pillar of the southern gateway of the great stupa of Sanchi. In his 'Sanchi and its Remains' of 1892, Maisey wrote, "The fourth or top compartment has a representation of the worship of the sacred wheel-symbol, by men and women, in Indian dress, and eight deer. The wheel has thirty-two spokes; each of which ends, on the outer circumference, or tire, in a small disc-and-crescent symbol..."
Fig.2 shows the Sinha-stambha or lion pillar supporting the wheel of Dharma or Law which Buddha set in motion with his First Sermon, carved on the right post of the gateway or torana of Stupa 3.
Fig. 3 depicts the adoration of the Dharmachakra, the wheel of Dharma or Law.
