ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how lay and monastic patrons of the main Buddhist stupa at Bharhut perceived and visually represented the relationship between human and nonhuman animals. The medallion with monkey medics can also be thematically related to other labelled and unlabelled representations of nonhuman animals in different parts of the railing quadrants. However one might choose to interpret the two medical procedures that the monkeys appear to perform, it is clear that the figure in human form is fully dependent on the nonhuman animals either for relief and / or spiritual advancement. Its plot foregrounds the theme of conflict between human and nonhuman animals over natural resources in the forest with the aim of demonstrating how the conflict can be resolved through ethical leadership among human groups. The three unlabelled scenes that have been the focus of this chapter portray nonhuman animals as the primary actors, who ultimately work for the benefit of human beings.
