Indian Art: A History of Indian Art from the Earliest Times up to the Third Century A.D. c16.58

c16.58

A third characteristically early type from Mathurā, linked by its material and manufacturing technique with the above, is represented by a rich group of elephant figurines (5½" × 9"). [Figs. 238-9]. The type reflects the popular fondness for this animal during the Maurya-Śuṅga epoch, as seen also in the sculpture of Bharhut and Sanchi. The clay elephants are profusely decorated with markings on the body of parallel lines or punched circlets. Their poses are varied, in some running, with a rider on back, and in others trumpeting with an uplifted trunk and wild eyes. Kauṭilya describes *kshurapra-mālā* as an ornament for decorating elephants. As the name *kshurapra* (Hindi *khurpā*) implies, it consisted of celt-like plaques and is actually seen on several of these specimens. A corresponding type also occurs at Ahichchhatrā showing numerous figures of bull, made of grey clay, hand-modelled and with profuse decoration. [Fig. 420]. At Kosam in the Śuṅga period, a distinct group consists of chariots with swiftfooted bulls whose body is beautified with pleasing floral decoration. It appears that each famous centre specialised in local plastic types of its own, and also produced some common types, constituting the general typological repertoire for that period.