Mithuna
Description
The pair of male and female in Indian art has a much wider connotation than just sexual or procreative partners. They are also partners in religious duties such as performing important ceremonies and rituals to acquire religious merit. In fact, no Grihya and other sacrifices could be performed by a single man, as it was considered incomplete. Yugala or Mithuna symbolised completeness or totality of life, and therefore, is considered auspicious. The presence of Mithuna sculptures in Indian temples reflects the partnership of man and woman both in the act of dharma and kama.
Collection
Ancient Civilisations
Object Type
Plaque
Material
Terracotta
Schools/Culture/Period
Kushana period
Technique
moulding
Date
1st century BCE
Location
Kaushambi, Uttar Pradesh
Dimension
13.2 cms X 6 cms,