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Vol-1, XXIX
BULL AND NANDI IMAGES OF GUJARAT
iconographic text. Out of these bull figures some Nandi images are unadorned and are decorated with chain Ghantamālā and headband (manīrekhā). The bull from the Chanpur M. P. (c.12th cent. A.D.) is shown in squatting pose, tinkling bells, Ghrughurmālā and hump band passing over the hind quarter. There is beautiful Gaņa figure which is clinging to a garland. 28
A huge brass image of Nandi is lying in the compound of Acaleśvara Mahādeva at Mt. Abu (Rajasthan). Here the bull is decorated with chain and the garland.29 Another such massive image of bull, now in the Dhaka museum was found from Deobhog in the Faridpur District. Its hump is encircled by two garlands and an embroidered carpet covers the whole of the back from tail to neck.30
The earliest depiction of bull in Gujarat known so far is found on a coin of wema kadphises (c.40-78 A. D.). It was discovered from Kayavarohan.31 It shows Śiva standing against his bull mount. Bull on Ksatrapa coin is an indication of their leaning towards Saivism.32 It is also found on the coin of Ksatrapa Rudrasen III.33 The coin of Skandhagupta also has a bull reported from Gujarat and Saurashtra.34 A medieval seal showing seated bull and Trisūla has been obtained from the excavation at Nagara35. It figures invariably on one side of the Maitraka coins. It was the royal emblem of the Maitrakas and therefore it is found on all Maitraka seals. Numerous Chaulukyan inscriptions also continued to represent Nandī in a sitting posture. 36
The present author has published some Vrsa sculptures in Gujarat.37 Nandi sculptures studied therein fall into two groups:
(1) As a vāhana in association with some hieratic Saivite images (Siva, Virabhadra, Gaurī-Samkara, Umā and Māheśvarī), and (2) As an independent figure facing the Śiva linga.
Nandī in the first group is represented in various forms, standing or seated. Variety of dancing postures and examples of Couchant bulls are also worthy to note. They are included in standing or sitting groups.
Nandi as a Vāhana of Saiva deities :
The earliest depiction of Nandi as a Vāhana of the Saiva deities known so far could be traced back as early as the Ksatrapa period. A terracotta plaque
