Chedha Tingsanchali
Silpakorn University (Thailand)
The most prominent scene from the Buddha’s life frequently depicted in Dvāravatī art is the “First Preaching Scene”. The emphasis of the scene in Dvāravatī art is noticeable in three cases: the narrative, the Cakrastambha and the architectural copy of Mūlagandhakuti at Sārnāth. At least, this indicates the special impression of Dvāravatī people have for the scene of the first preaching. Furthermore, this may indicate the attempt by the rulers of Dvāravatī to claim themselves as the emperor and the Master who is exalted as the emperor of the cosmos.
(Presented in the International Conference on Buddhist Studies: Buddha's Biography – Buddhist Legends, 18-19 July 2015, Le Meridien Bangkok Hotel, Bangkok, organized by Department of Thai, Faculty of Arts, The Pali and Sanskrit Section, Department of Eastern Languages, Faculty of Arts and Institute of Thai Studies, Chulalongkorn University)