Gilgit (present day Pakistan)
Early 7th century
Gilgit (present day Pakistan)
Early 7th century
This lion throne likely once supported a seated buddha sculpture. An inscription located on the textile hanging between the lions indicates that the principal donor responsible for its creation was a queen of the Patola Shahis in the Gilgit region of northern Pakistan. Such inscriptions, found on a select group of bronze sculptures, have allowed scholars to trace the history of this royal house. This is one of the earliest Patola Shahi bronzes known to exist. Many of these bronzes traveled from Gilgit to Tibet and influenced the region’s art.
In Buddhism merit is accumulated through engaging in positive actions that lead to positive results, such as better rebirths. Buddhists gain merit by making offerings, donating to those in need, reciting mantras, and other good deeds.
From the 8th to 13th century, Kashmir was a renowned center of Buddhist learning, arts, and culture. This fertile valley was a major source of artistic production for the western Himalayan kingdoms, which spanned parts of northern India and the Ngari region of western Tibet.
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