An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c22.s1.8
An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c22.s1.8
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v1.c22.s1.8
In the centuries around the Christian era wheeled animal heads, mainly of the ram, elephant, bull and crocodile, are seen at a large number of sites of W. Bengal, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Hollow figurines of the pig and bull were used in the form of rattles. Moduled reliefs of bullock carts and horse chariots [16.17.1] showing the frontal view are also found at KAUŚĀMBĪ, BHITA, MATHURA, etc. Hollow round plaques and skin-rubbers [18.4] found at AHICCHATRĀ, RAJGHAT, etc., have animal motifs such as the elephant, crocodile, griffin, etc., indicating the decorative function of the animals.