Pillar, White Marble, Rajasthan, X-xiith Century

An architectural fragment in white marble. It probably comes from a temple in Rajasthan . Decorative pillar or facade element, richly adorned with figures arranged in niches framed by colonnettes and plant motifs. The vertical composition features several scenes; in the upper part, standing figures occupy small architectural niches reminiscent of miniature shrines. These figures, coiffed and adorned with jewels, represent secondary divinities, guardians or devotees. In the abundance of figures represented on different planes, a dynamic scene stands out at top right: a figure mounted on a mythical animal, close to a ram or a hybrid creature, itself standing on an elephant. This type of representation often symbolizes the protective force associated with temples. The lower part is mainly occupied by a slender female Parvati figure, richly adorned, adopting an elegant posture characteristic of Indian sculpture. Other scenes above and to the right complete this beautiful fragment representative of the fine workmanship of Indian sculpture of this period.