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 5 - Scythian (Saka) elements in the Early Art of India
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undoubtedly an imitation of a Hellenistic prototype produced by a not
particularly competent craftsman. It is, however, worth noting, that the motif of
Eros and Psyche was quite widespread, above all in terracottas starting with
the Hellenistic era. In a gold repouss茅 plaque dated in the first-second century
A.D. and from the Taxila-Punjab area (formerly in the collection of Col. D. H.
Gordon) shows H膩riti and Pa帽chika ( Kubera ) seated, surrounded by the
typical beaded border. The dress of the god reveals nomadic influence.1 The
gold protome of a dolphin from the fibula虏 found from Nogaichik is reminiscent
of the dolphin handles from Taxila.鲁 A Taxilan gold brooch in the form of a
repouss茅 figure of winged Aphrodite (Plate 188)4 is similar to the Aphrodite
figurine, from Tillya-tepe.
Excavations at Shaikhan Dheri, about 22 miles north of Peshawar, have
yielded Scytho-Parthian artifacts in phase I (stratgraphically). It is important to
note here, that there was no indication at all to distinguish the Scythian period
from that of the Parthians. However, the range of the objects are fascinating
and they continue to confirm and elaborate the Saka/Scythian elements. The
head of a lady, richly decorated and having the triangular headdress with
Gol. Tre. Jew. Ind., p. 16, Pl. 1.
2 Cf. M. Y. Treister's article cited in Footnote No.26 above, p. 131.
3 Taxila, Vol. III, Pl. 189, nos. 20, a, b.
* Ibid., Vol.III, Pl. 191,s-no.96.
