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
40 (of 43)
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199
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The Saka/Scythian elements are also discernible in Gandh膩ran art. A
Gandh膩ra panel shows men wearing the Scythian costume. Similarly, one of
the reliefs from Buner (Plate 189)鹿 shows a series of musicians in Scythian
costume. The scale-armoured figure2 besides Pa帽cika-Kubera from Takal,
shows Scythian affiliation. Scale armoured figures have been frequently
depicted on friezes of utility objects, and on weapons in Scythian art. The neck
ornament of Pa帽cika-Kubera鲁 reflects nomadic affiliations. The Scythian
costume is also seen on reliefs of Sahri-Bahlol, Rokhri, Jamalgarhi, Ranighat,
Swat, Khair Khanch and at Hadda and Begram. It is noteworthy, that as found
from Timargarha and Gandh膩ra Grave cultures dated sixth century B.C.
onwards, the main anthropological element of the population could be linked to
those from the Caspian region. It is important to note that the image of a
hippocampus with a horseman as shown on a steatite toilet disk from
Garavkala in Tajikistan of first century A.D.4 has Indian parallels. The image
has also been found on Gandh膩ran reliefs, on stone tablets from Taxila, and
also on Han mirrors. The characteristic sculptures of Gandh盲ra during the first
three or four centuries A.D. were produced in vast quantities for the Buddhists
and their monasteries. The figures of Bodhisattvas are noted for their
Dyn. Art. Kus., Pl. 58.
2 Ibid.,Pl. 62 a.
3 Ibid.,Pl. 62.
4 Drevnosti Tajikistana (Antiquities of Tajikistan), No. 364. pp. 138 - 9.
