Unique Hellenistic heritage in Pakistan

Alexander’s death triggered the beginning of the Hellenistic era. On several occasions, I lingered on the representations of Buddha in human form (see: Indo-Greek art or the influence of Hellenism on Buddhist art). But that did not happen overnight, of course.

We know that the Graeco-Bactrian King Demetrius invaded India (Pakistan is a modern section of what was India for centuries) in 180 BC. He was the founder of the Indo-Greek kingdom and during his reign the Gandharan art was blossoming.

The first sculptures of Buddha date from that particular period and many great examples have made their way to museums like the Musée Guimet in Paris, the Museum of Ancient Arts in Brussels or the Travelling collection the Museum of Kabul in Afghanistan.

But there is one statue that outshines all others, and it is called the Fasting Buddha. It was discovered in Sikri, Peshawar in Pakistan at the end of the 19^th century and was donated to the Museum of Lahore. It is considered to be a masterpiece from the Gandharan period and probably dates from the 2^nd century BC.

[Picture of the Fasting Buddha at the Museum of Lahore, from Tsemrinpoche]

During his spiritual quest for enlightenment, Buddha tried several ascetic practices which included abandoning all riches and starving himself. He ended this starvation treatment when he realized that he should aim for mental insight instead.

The Fasting Buddha clearly dates from the period prior to this change in attitude when he survived one grain of rice a day. Hellenism contributed immensely to rendering this statue so true to life. The rendition of his skeletal body where each bone is perfectly depicted, his sharp nose, his hollow eye sockets and the gentle folds of his dress, all those features could never look so real had Hellenism not reached the height of that period. He was as close to being mere skin and body as one could achieve.

Staring at the picture with his deep downcast eyes, one has that feeling that he can look at the onlooker at any moment. How much more impressive must it be to stand in front of this magnificent work of art!

However, the Fasting Buddha also displays Persian influences. There is, for instance, the plinth on which the statue is resting. Here devotees with clasped hands are facing a lamp in reverence. This lamp is a reference to the fire-worship of the Zoroastrians.

Lahore is not exactly next door, but the Gandhara Gallery at the museum would certainly be worth the visit as it also houses an extensive collection of Buddhist art. 

I find it quite frustrating that I have seen a (very bad) black and white picture of a niche with a large seated Buddha with next to him a smaller depiction of Alexander the Great looking over his shoulder. I don’t remember in which context and certainly not where this work of art is standing. If anyone knows about this, please share the good news!