Depiction of a male figure in a niche

Description:

In a niche on the southern wall, of the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) of the Kaner-ki-Putli Temple, a male figure is depicted. Unfortunately, the figure is damaged, with the head entirely missing. Both upper arms are broken, while the figure holds a kamandalu (water carrier or pot) in the left hand and makes a varadahasta (boon-giving gesture) with the right hand. At the base of the niche, a broken ram-like animal with horns is visible. Based on the vahana (mount), attributes, and gestures, this figure can be recognized as Agni (one of the deities of cardinal directions). Adjacent to Agni, there is a male figure that stands out from the others. This figure features curly, raised hair and a beard, but unfortunately, the face has been eroded. The upper body is bare and adorned with jewellery, while the lower body is covered by a distinctive triangular loin cloth. An antaravastra (inner garment) is visible beneath the loin cloth. The figure is draped with a scarf wrapped around the arms, and although the broken object held in his two hands is now incomplete, the visible middle part resembles a stick. Notably, this figure is unique because of the distinctive dressing style and footwear, suggesting him to be a foreigner.

Location:

Bhilwara

Date_accepted:

2024-06-18T11:57:50Z

Modified:

2024-06-19T06:43:45Z

Type:

Image

Creator:

Temples of India Project Team

Contributor:

Dr Nikita Rathore

Publisher:

Jio Institute

Rights:

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

References:

Temples of India, 12th century CE, Jaipur Circle, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Kaner-ki-Putli Temple, Temple, Bhilwara, Rajasthan, Architecture, Bhumija Temple Style, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Khadirpur, Shiva, and Bijolia

Thumbnail:

https://repository.jioinstitute.edu.in/downloads/dc98e97d-5b88-430d-9b08-fcedc8009501?file=thumbnail