This is such an extraordinary sculpture at the Bhopal Museum. Truly one of the greats. So regretfully, despite trying to find out more about this for the past 2 years, I have not been able to find out any more details on this sculpture so can only describe what I have seen and can infer. The name of the sculpture is Dikmandal (or Horizon), dating back to 11c AD and found in Chattarpur district. As you can see, it has concentric circles of figures. If I am not wrong, there are constellations, you can see scorpio on one photo. Seated figurines of rather portly rishis and other figures which are unfortunately now too damaged.
the central area is blank but smooth, which leads me to believe that there must have been a plaque or something in the middle representing another deity? or maybe Bhrahma?
but notice that the positioning of the larger units is not symmetrical, there has to be some kind of a logic behind why the larger constellations and sculptures are at the bottom or bottom right of the sculpture. Is this relating to how the skies would have been shown at night on particular days? or on auspicious days? or on the days when there would be a festival for the deity? Dont know but goodness, what an extraordinary piece of sculpture.
No comments:
Post a Comment