An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c17.s6.7

v1.c17.s6.7

A definite evidence of the mother goddess cult is seen in a large number of miniature stone discs [12.3.9] of about the 3rd-2nd centuries B.C found from Bihar to the n.-w. at PĀṬALIPUTRA (Murtaziganj), VAISALI, SANKISA, RAJGHAT⁴, BHITA, JHUSI, KAUŚĀMBĪ, Kara, PURANA QILA, MATHURA, ROPAR and Taxila. These discs represent the steatopygous goddess with schematic curls, torque and girdle who stands in a frontal hieratic pose as on the gold plaques from LAURIYA-NANDANGARH and PIPRAHWA. The seasonal fertility drama is enacted on some discs and a RAJGIR steatite plaque showing the male partner of the goddess propitiating her, offering her a cup and playing a musical instrument. The goddess is shown here as a supreme figure with a subordinate male partner. She is associated with animals, birds, lotus, palm tree and the crescent moon which suggest her relationship with the Nana-Artemis-Diana group of fertility goddess.