London: A rare life-sized 2nd century Gandharan Buddha, whose worth is estimated at 300,000 pounds (about Rs 2.4 crore), will be put on sale at world's renowned auctioneer Sotheby's Spring 2004 Auction of Indian and South Asian Art next week.

An elegant 10th century red sandstone Mithuna Panel from Central India, estimated at about 90,000 pounds (appr Rs 72 lakh) and an exceptional group of early Tibetan paintings, including a late 11th century portrait of two Lamas, worth of around 180,000 pounds (about Rs 1.44 cr) will also be featured in the auction show.

The sale will also include a section of modern Indian paintings, traditionally offered at auction only in September, underscoring the importance of this rapidly growing collecting area, a release from Sotheby's said.

Another highlight in this section is an early canvas by renowned painter M F Husain, titled Ragamala, which is estimated at 180,000 pounds (about 1.44 cr).

Gandharan Buddha, the exquisitely carved sculpture, which perfectly fulfils the conographic, ideals specified in early Buddhist texts, ranks among the largest freestanding sculptures from the Gandharan region, the release said.

The Buddha stands with his pleated robe draped around his shoulders, one looped end held in his left hand. The well-proportioned face with narrow heavy-lidded downcast eyes and softly curving bow shaped lips radiates serenity and epitomizes the highest achievements of Gandharan art.