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
89 (of 115)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
Download the PDF file of the original publication
133
fantastic creatures decorating horse harness from the Ak-Alakh barrow and
Tuekte barrows. Tuekte was an important centre of nomadic art in the
eastern section. Bridle plaques from the Tuekte barrow had square cavities
covered with pieces of red leather. This technique probably aimed to imitate
metal objects inlaid with precious stones or some polychrome appliqu茅
work.
In Azerbaijan, the region of pre-Pazyryk Hanlar is important for the
Scytho-Siberian connection. On excavation of three burials south-west of
Hanlar, one burial has yielded a "sledge鈥� drawn by two stags.1 It reminds
one of the later Pazyryk burials of the Altai dating from the early Scythian
period, where the horses supposed to draw the chariots had stag marks
covering their heads. This tradition survived at Tillya-tepe in Northern
Afghanistan.
The design of many objects such as pots from Saka burials in the
Pamir Mountains and brazier altars showing winged lions from Semirechye
(the Northwest foothills of the Tien Shan Range) can be seen as
representational. During the last twenty-five years, several new items have
been added to the collection of bronze lamps due to chance finds in
'Ya.I.Gummel, 'Excavations to the south-west of Hanlar in 1941', Anc. Civ. Scy.
Sib., Vol.2, p.225.
