The nimbus, whorl of hair on the forehead, and protuberance on the crown of the head indicate that this is a monumental statue of Buddha Shakyamuni. Another meditating Buddha sits enthroned in the relief at its base. He is surrounded by a group whose robes, folded hands, and shaved heads (tonsures) identify them as monks. Buddha Shakyamuni’s missing right hand was raised in the gesture of fearlessness; his left hand probably held the hem of his monk's robe.
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