An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c17.s6.8

v1.c17.s6.8

Most of the excavated sites of the 2nd-1st centuries B C. from Bengal to Punjab and Rajasthan have yielded a large number of terracotta figurines representing a variety of goddesses. The prominent among them is the goddess with five or more *āyudha* (weapon) symbols in the head-dress, often worn along with corn stalks and palm fronds. Nudity is exposed through her diaphanous apparel. She has a male partner in the plaques of CHANDRAKETUGARH and AHICCHATRĀ. This goddess often stands on a lotus and is identified with the goddess Śrī. The fertility aspect of the Śrī cult has been pointed out by Moti Chandra, 1973, in the terracotta plaque from AWRA of about the 1st century B.C. depicting auspicious jars and erotic couples flanking the goddess. Another fertility goddess is Vasudhārā or the Indianized version of Anahita holding two fish in her hand. An interesting terracotta plaque from RAIRH shows the goddess blessing her short male partner who holds two fish in his hand.