Sambodhi 1983 Vol 12

Author(s): Dalsukh Malvania, H C Bhayani, Nagin J Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 44

A Unique Hariti Image from Gandhara
There are several figures of Hāuti, in which she is accompanied by her husband Pāñchika. One such sculptuie in Indian Museum, Calcutta, hailing from Jamalgarh 10 represents the couple standing under a tree in blossom, the male occupying a place to the riglit of the feniale. Hāriti stretches out her right hand towards her husband, while in the left, she carries an object looking like a noose. A naked child is shown standing between them and another is seen in the upper background.
In still another group Hārītill holds by her right hand the handle of a pan-shaped vessel, evidently containing eatables. A naked child stands between the couple another is seated to the left of Pārchika
One of the finest and largest reliefs was excavated by Spooner in 190712, from Sahri-Bahlol, represents Hariti and Panchika scated side by side. The male holds the lance in his right hand and in his left, the moneybag, whereas Hāriti instead of carrying the child holds the symbol of fertility, the Cornucopiae.
At Takht-i-Bahi13, Hāriti still holds the Nidhi-s'ringa whereas Pāñchika has put aside the lance, his symbol of being a Warrior, he now only carries the nioney bag.
In a bas-relief found by Hackin at Paitava, Afghanistan, Hāriti is figured holding a Cornucopiae in a niche at the left of the Buddha, while in the corresponding niche at the right is Vaji apāni instead of Panchika14.
Häriti in general 1s represented with two arms A rare example from Sahri-Bahlo]15 shows her with four arms This four feet high image is iconogiaphically very important as it holds trisula in one of the hands. The trident, a symbol of Siva, the Brahmanical pantheon has an obvious relevance to the destructive effects of smallpox. The other common attributes of Haiti are water-vessel, horn of plenty, children, pomegranate, fish, wine or skull cup.
Now we come to a very unusual sculptural representation of Häriti, housed in Chandigarh Museum, the Accession number is 94. The pro vince is unknown of this 3rd c. A.D. image which las neither children around her nor does she hold the horn of plenty. She is not even
Sambodhi Vol XII-6