Harappan Period: Dancing Girl Statue

Dancing Girl

• The Dancing Girl is a metal statue from the Harappan Period (2500 BC) found at Mohenjo-Daro, measuring approximately 4 inches in height.
• The statue showcases the artistic and technical skills of Indus Valley craftsmen, featuring a lanky, thin, and rhythmic female figure.
• The figure is depicted without clothes, but with bangles on her left hand up to her shoulder, similar to those found in modern-day tribal communities in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
• Her hair is tied in a bun, differing from the elaborate hairstyles found on other mother goddess figures from the same civilization.
• The statue stands in a resting posture, with her right hand on her waist and her left hand on her left thigh, showcasing perfect metal casting and accuracy.

Rampurva Bull Capital

• The Rampurva Bull Capital is a polished sandstone sculpture from the Mauryan Period (3rd century BC) found at Rampurva, measuring approximately 7 ft in height.
• The capital is one of the most famous Ashokan capitals, featuring an animal figure (a bull) on top of an inverted lotus, with an abacus (a thick disc-like structure) in between.
• The capital is part of Emperor Ashoka's pillars, which feature his edicts and teachings of Lord Buddha, found throughout India except for the extreme southern region.
• The Rampurva Bull Capital is currently housed at the Indian Museum, Kolkata.

Black Princess

• The Black Princess is a wall painting (mural) from the Gupta-Vakataka Period (2nd century AD to 6th century AD) found at Ajanta, measuring approximately 20 ft x 6 ft.
• The painting is one of the many found in the Ajanta caves, situated near Aurangabad district in Maharashtra, which served as Chaityas (worshipping places) and Viharas (Monasteries).
• The Ajanta paintings were done in two phases – the Hinayana phase (where Lord Buddha is represented in symbols) and the Mahayana phase (where he is shown in human form).
• Most of the Ajanta paintings, including the Black Princess, were done in the Vakataka Period, and occupy a unique position in the history of Indian painting.
• Unlike Fresco, Ajanta paintings used traditional tempera techniques.