An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c17.s3.8

v1.c17.s3.8

12.3.7 *Mother goddess plaques.* Gold leaves embossed with a mother goddess figure standing in stiff frontal pose along with a small deposit of burnt human bones and charcoal were found in the excavation of two mounds at LAURIYA-NANDANGARH. An exact replica of such leaves was also found within the *stūpa* at PIPRAHWA. While some scholars have identified these figures as the representation of the earth goddess or Pṛthivī, these plaques (*c.* 3rd century B.C.) may have some ritualistic relation with the construction of an important structure like a *stūpa*. A small bronze figure of the same goddess from ROPAR (*c.* 600 to 200 B.C.) is also significant as a cult object. [ See also 12.6.]