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1847 drawing by Kittoe, Buddhist Bodhgaya Mahabodhi temple complex, Bihar India 01
Summary
Markham Kittoe (1808-1853) created an album in January 1847. These were sketches of stupa rail sculpture at the Buddhist site in Bodhgaya (Bihar). They show scenes Jataka tales and Buddhist teachings. Some characters shown and elements of dress, decorations depict ancient Indian culture and society.
From the source,
Wash drawing of a sculptured post from the railing of the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodhgaya, Markham Kittoe (1808-1853), from an album of 44 drawings (24 folios) of sculpture on the stupa rail at Bodhgaya (Bihar), made by Kittoe during his investigation of the site, January 1847. Cover inscribed: 'Kittoe's Drawings. vol. 2. The Buddhagaya Rail.' Drawings inscribed: 'M. Kittoe. Capt.'; also with dates varying from 11 to 19 January 1847.
The Mahabodhi Temple complex in Bodhgaya is one of the holiest sites related to the life of the Buddha as it is the place where he attained enlightenment. The present temple dates from the 7th Century with later additions, and was built on the site of a previous temple erected by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. The temple consists of a central sanctuary with a tall pyramidal tower that is over 50 metres high and houses a large gilded image of the Buddha. The temple is built in front of the Bodhi Tree, the tree under which the Buddha obtained enlightenment, which is surrounded by a quadrangular stone railing that dates to the 2nd century BC. The railing was extended in later periods and the posts are either made of sandstone or coarse granite and are decorated with carved medallions with naturalistic and mythical animals, lotus designs and scenes from the life of Buddha, as can be seen in the motif depicted in this drawing.
It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists, as it is believed to be the place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under a bodhi tree. The temple complex includes the famous Bodhi tree, a meditation garden and several other shrines and temples. Mahabodhi Temple was first built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC, but the current structure dates from the 5th-6th century BC. The temple is built in the style of Indian rock-cut architecture and features intricate carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from the life of Buddha. The temple's main attraction is the Bodhi Tree, believed to be a direct descendant of the original tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. Pilgrims from all over the world come to visit the temple and meditate under the Bodhi tree. The Mahabodhi Temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. The temple complex is open to visitors every day from sunrise to sunset and there is no entrance fee. However, visitors must dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the temple.
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