The first-ever ‘Mother Goddess' image carved in sandstone rock — representing the earliest perception of idolising woman as Goddess dating back to 3 Century BC — has been found close to the Sri Chalukya Kumara Bheemeswara Swamy temple at Samarlakota near Kakinada in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh.
Archaeological Survey of India's Superintending Archaeologist R. Krishnaiah, told The Hindu that while conducting an exploration around the Bheemeswara Swamy temple to ascertain its origin and antiquity, their Deputy Superintending Archaeologist D. Kanna Babu discovered the stunning and unique image of a seated mother goddess (Yakshini), in a remote corner outside the temple.
The centuries old temple is revered as one of the ‘Pancharama Kshetras.' From the archaeological research point of view, the ‘mother goddess' sculpture was a rare discovery, said Mr. Krishnaiah. This find would be vital for reconstructing the cultural life of ancient Andhra, the origin and evolution of early cultural art. This idol was believed to be from the Ashoka period in 3 Century BC.
Samarlakota might have played a vital role with prominent cultural activity from the early times dating back to the 11 century Chalukya period, he added. “We will conduct more explorations in the near future to bring out archaeological richness of the ancient Godavari Valley,” he said.
The archaeologist Mr. Babu, who made the discovery, said that such an early image of Mother Goddess had not been found so far in entire South India in stone media. The highly eroded sandstone sculpture is 150 cm tall, 67 cm wide and 28 cm thick life-size form of a Mother Goddess seated on a broad pedestal.
“Her facial physiognomic feature is roundish, dignified with chubby cheeks, wide open eyes, a broad heavy nose, and close cut tender pair of lips. She is potbellied, her arms and wrists are embellished with a series of big bangles and she is wearing earrings. The head is covered with a beautiful head-dress, but it is in a deeply eroded state.”
The drapery covers her waist, hanging down between her legs and bears folds. Hands rest on her thighs and hold something which the ASI presumes are foodgrain. Mr. Babu says these features have striking similarities with the unique Yaksha, Yakshini images unearthed at important cultural sites like Beta, Patna, Deedarganj, Lauria, Nandanagarh, and Amaravathi of the Mauryan period.
The ASI team included K. Veeranjaneyulu, senior archaeologist, and KVSSN Murthy, caretaker.
The archaeologists are pretty quick here to label it to as "Mother
Goddess" and dating it to 3rd century BC and also to be the earliest.
One should abstain from quick labeling without stating the methodology.
What about the mother goddesses from the Harappan civilization and the
goddesses from the neolithic period? However, it is a good discovery but
the dating and labeling it to anything should be based on critical
assessments.
This is an importatnt find that connects the cultural and politica unity of Greater India stretching from North to South to East and so on. That it was a chance discovery during the regenerative work of the main tample exhibits the callous attitude we have about our cultural past. Nevertheless, this discovey should rekindle our efforts towards connecting the dots of our rich history,hetherto hidden from the people of India.
She appears pregnant, not "pot-bellied."
This surely,at only 3 centuries before the current era,first ever? There are far older stone & other carved images of goddess/woman in existence.
It is proof for Ancient indian culture
ASI must create programs in Doordarshan/other Indian channels and make
the people of India aware of the rich heritage that we posses. Most
Indian believe that ours is an ancient culture but has no idea about the
richness of our culture. ASI must create such programs to improve
national identity and pride.
This rock sculpture is really good find! It will help the archeaologists and the historians to understand the culture prevailing in the deccan region.
Can you please add information on the methodology used to identify the idols age?
Thanks.
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