Essay name: Scythian Elements in early Indian Art
Author:
Swati Ray
Affiliation: University of Calcutta / Department of Ancient Indian History and Culture
This essay studies Scythian Elements in early Indian Art鈥攁 topic that has not garnered extensive scholarly attention. Although much research has focused on various aspects of Saka/Scythian culture, such as politics and numismatics, their contribution to Indian art remains underexplored. This essay delves into archaeological evidence, historical texts, and art forms from Eurasian steppes to decipher the Scythian impact.
Chapter 4 - Scythian / Saka Art
26 (of 115)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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the vessel, on its base, is an engraved floret pattern surrounded by a circle
of beads.1 The lower part of the vessel is covered with a flat pattern of
lotus petals, expanding upwards from the base. Separating the lower part
of the vessel from the figural frieze is a wide pattern of twisted rope,
rendered, as in the case of the lower lotus-petal pattern, by means of
broad, indented lines. The neck and mouth of the vessel are plain gold,
unornamented except through the graceful shaping of the pulled-in neck
and the high, open mouth. The figures represented on the upper section of
the vessel body are rendered in a relatively high repouss茅 technique. These
images are all of Scythian males, presented with their weapons: bows,
arrows, goryti, spears and shields. Despite this warlike accoutrement,
however, the men are all represented in remarkable quiet interchange,
(therefore, warlike accoutrements were but daily accessories of Scythian
life). On one side of the vessel, two figures seated on hummocks or rocks
are engaged in conversation (Plate 12) holding (in a relaxed attitude) their
spears. One figure wears a gorytus on his left side, the left side of the other
figure, on the right, is hidden by his large oblong shield. The men lean
towards each other with intent expressions. In another section ( Plate 10),
one hooded Scythian helps a companion bandage his left leg. In the next
section ( Plate 11) one man seems to be prying into the other's mouth as if
1 Art. Scy.,p.203.
