Panchika and Hariti

2009.513

Panchika and Hariti

2009.513

Description

The sculpture is of Panchika and Hariti. Hariti is a yakshini, one of the mother goddesses, revered as a symbol of motherhood in Buddhism. She is sometimes shown along with her consort Panchika- a Yaksha general of Gandhara region. Together, they are revered as a protective deity, they are believed to bring prosperity to families.
Here Panchika and Hariti are carved in deep relief against the back slab. Both are attired in tunics in western fashion and have a typical Gandharan hairstyle. They are wearing a simple necklace and bracelets. Panchika is holding a goblet in his right hand and money bag in the left. Hariti’s right-hand rests on his left thigh and her left hand supports a cornucopia.

Collection

Buddhist Art

Artist

NA

Object Type

Sculpture

Material

Grey Schist

Schools/Culture/Period

Gandhara School of art

Technique

--

Date

2nd Century CE

Location

Taxila

Dimension

16.3 x 12 x 5.5 cms