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The great Shunga empire which controlled large parts of northern Indian subcontinent around 200 - 70 BCE saw an emergence of brilliant forms of art.
This will be thread on three beautiful and intricate terracotta plaques which give a glimpse into life around 2200 years ago.
This will be thread on three beautiful and intricate terracotta plaques which give a glimpse into life around 2200 years ago.
Terracotta Plaque - 1 Boat and riverine scene, Shunga period, Chandraketugarh, Bengal.
Let's look at the above plaque closely.
In the center we see a wooden boat in a river, we can tell by the shape of the hull that it's a riverine & not a marine boat. There are two female figures on the right & a male on left. The central female is holding & breastfeeding a baby.
In the center we see a wooden boat in a river, we can tell by the shape of the hull that it's a riverine & not a marine boat. There are two female figures on the right & a male on left. The central female is holding & breastfeeding a baby.
In the bottom right of the plaque we see a man & a woman sitting under the tree at the riverbank. The man is seen playing a lute like stringed musical instrument, while the woman is listening.
In the bottom left we see three adults standing in the water, one male and two females behind him. It's unclear what they are doing, but notice their exquisite turbans and ornaments like all others in the plaque.
Terracotta Plaque - 2Temple worship/ Tirtha sthal scene, Shunga period, Chandraketugarh, Bengal.
This plaque shows what appears to be a Tirtha sthal or a temple(s) on the bank of a river, with multiple people praying and performing rituals.
In the top right part we see people sitting with hand gestures indicating praying in front of three conical shaped temple structures with entrances and a triangular flag on top. Others are holding what appears to be food/flower offerings to the gods.
In the top left we see women standing in a row carrying offerings and also with Anjali mudra (prayer hand gesture).
In the bottom half we see multiple women standing in the river. Some of them are praying facing the sun in east and others appear to be bathing. In the bottom right we see a woman holding a staff with a child beside her. On the opposite bank notice the sheep and earthen pots.
Terracotta Plaque - 3Horseman fighting in Arena, Shunga period, Chandraketugarh, Bengal.
This plaque shows a sporting arena with horseman fighting and numerous spectators watching.
Zooming in closely we see an enclosed area like an sporting Arena with a rectangular entrance arch on the left. Two horseman are fighting a dual with swords and there is another horseman holding a sphere (referee?) at the arch.
Behind the archway we see more horse mounted men possibly waiting to participate in the next game.
Surrounding the enclosed sporting ground there are many spectators seated. The main spectator seems to be a King/Chieftain, seen seated on a throne, adorned with many ornaments & a large turban. To his left is likely the wife & Queen, both are under umbrellas held by attendants.
In all three of the above plaques we notice the below:
1) People living prosperously in a fertile riverine region.
2) All the men and women are seen fit and healthy adorning heavy & intricate ornaments.
4) They built multiple temples & performed many rituals for worship.
1) People living prosperously in a fertile riverine region.
2) All the men and women are seen fit and healthy adorning heavy & intricate ornaments.
4) They built multiple temples & performed many rituals for worship.
