An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c22.s2.13

v1.c22.s2.13

In n. India during the early centuries of the Christian era both hand-modelled and moulded human figurines were produced. The former mode was more popular particularly in making portrait-like heads found at many sites of the Ganga-Yamuna valley of which MATHURA, KAUŚĀMBĪ and BHITA have produced fine specimens. These heads represent a variety of ethnic types. New gods and goddesses appeared, viz. Durgā Mahiṣāsuramardinī, Viṣṇu, Kārttikeya, Buddha, etc. Parthian influence is seen in female figurines and drummers sitting on votive tanks [12.11].