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—a 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
85 (of 115)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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sides and two concentric circles on the back and a headgear including a
diadem attached to its base were found. The man's gold jewellery
comprised an earring, a pendant and two rings. Metal plaques with a
tiger's head en face were sewn on to the fabric of the tribal leader's clothing
between fifty-nine horizontal and fifty-nine vertical slats. They included
geometric patterns such as 2411 small triangles, 30 small rectangles, 488
rectangles, 162 squares, 30 circles, 108 crescents and 113 rhomboids. The
belt was made of massive rectangular plates on to which were affixed
smaller plates in the shape of reclining deer heads. An iron dagger, its
upper side shaped like the head of two facing griffins and its handle and
sheath decorated with gold plates depicting an elk and a horse, and a
sword, the upper side and cross of which is encrusted with small gold
plaques and gold thread twisted, around the handle, were hung from the
belt. 31 vessels were found. Two silver bowls, a large one, the outside
engraved with thirty-two rings and the inside decorated with two concentric
circles, and a small one, the outside decorated with twenty-six signs
resembling Aramaic letters but still undeciphered, a bronze bowl, two
dishes, one large and one small, made from a single piece of birch, were
also found. Ten ceramic ewers and six basins were found, together with
