Bhutesvara Yakshis
Bhutesvara Yakshis | |
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![]() Bhutesvara Yakshis, Mathura, 2nd century CE. The Buddhist reliefs of the back of the pillars are visible in the mirror behind. Indian Museum, Kolkata. ![]() The Bhutesvara Yashis in the Mathura Museum. | |
Material | Red sandstone |
Period/culture | 2nd Century CE |
Discovered | 27°36′00″N 77°39′00″E |
Place | Mathura, India. |
Present location | Indian Museum, Kolkata, India. Also Mathura Museum, Mathura |
The Bhutesvara Yakshis, also called the Bhutesar Yakshis are a series of Yakshi reliefs on railing, dating to the 2nd century CE during the time of the Kushan Empire.[1] The reliefs were found in the Bhutesar mound, around the remains of a stupa, near Mathura, and are now located in the Indian Museum in Kolkata.[2] They are an important example of Mathura art. Three more pillars and one fragment (half of a pillar) from this group are visible in the Mathura Museum.
Front of the pillars
The Yakshis are seen standing above crouching figures of dwarves.[3] This group of Yakshi figures is praised for the delicacy of their rendering, the absence of heaviness despite the plumpness of the figures, and their smiling and playful countenance.[2]
The Yashis have varied attitudes. One of them is seen holding a bird cage. Another one looks at herself in a mirror while adjusting a piece of earring. Yet another serves wine to the couple above and holds a grape of wine.
- The Yakshis as discovered by Alexander Cunningham in 1881-1882.[4]
- Five of the pillars, in 1897.
- Lady holding a bird cage.
- Lady with sword.
- Location of Bhutesvara (here "Buteswar", next to Kankali Tila), right outside old Mathura.
Back of the pillars
The back of the pillars contain Jataka tale relief.
- 1A: Sibi Jataka. King Sibi was the Buddha in a previous life.
- 1B: Sibi Jataka. King Sibi gives some of his own flesh to the wounded.
- 2A: Sibi Jataka, Viswakarma returns to Heaven after witnessing the deeds of King Sibi, saying King Sibi will soon become a Buddha.
- 2B: The Great Departure of Siddharta, the Buddha-to-be, from Kapilavastu.
- 2C: Festivities and monsters (possibly in the city of Kapilavastu).
- 3A: Subjugation of Nalagiri.
- 3B: The Buddha subjugating the elephant Nalagiri.
- 3C: The elephant Nalagiri attacking someone.
See also
References
- ↑ History and the Present, Partha Chatterjee, Anjan Ghosh Anthem Press, 2006 pp7
- 1 2 The Culture of India, Kuiper, Kathleen, Britannica Educational Publishing, 2010 p.209
- ↑ Introducing Indian Art - R & K Publishing House, 1963, J. P. Guha, Page 121
- ↑ Archaeological Survey Of India Vol XVII Alexander Cunningham p.110 and Plate XXXI