This scroll is from a series of representations showing the Buddha’s legendary pupils. Four of them are depicted in each picture in their typical clothing and equipped with certain attributes.
In the upper left is Kanakavasta holding a jewel chain, a gift from the serpent-kings for having taught them about Buddhism. Vajriputra, holding a fly whisk in the upper right, is said to have taught in Sri Lanka, while the arhat Bhadra, in the lower right with one hand raised, spread the teachings in northern India near the Yamuna and Ganga rivers. In the lower left, seated in deep meditation, is Kanaka Bharadvaja, who was known for his generosity.