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Vol-1, XX1X
BULL AND NANDI IMAGES OF GUJARAT
near Suthar no Ovaro, Karvan. (P1.IV)
Nandī Vāhana of Maheśvarī from kayavarohan, now preserved in Baroda Museum, Vadodara, and is ascribed to the 8th 9th cent. A.D. of the age of Gurjara Pratiharas.43 Its ornaments and features are strikingly similar to the foregoing types. The customary head ornament and a rattle garland (Ghugharmālā) with a single large bell (Ghanta) in the centre adorn the animal. Though, damaged; its artistic quality is quite impressive. Its half closed eyes are worthy to note.
Nandī Vāhana of Ardhanārīśvara from Totu near Bayad in Sabarkantha district is an excellent example of animal sculpture. Its short horns, ears, big eyes covered with half open eyelid and wide inflated nostrils show the vitality and youthfulness of the beast. Here the bull is decorated with head-band (Manīrekhā) and ghugharmālā as usual. It can be ascribed to c.5th cent. A.D. on the stylistic ground.44
Nandi with Gaurī-Samkara from Rodā belongs to 9th cent. A.D. and is now in the collection of Baroda Museum Vadodara. Gaurī-Samkara ride on a sprightly Vrsa, it is shown seated with its head elegantly turned towards the ground, but looking up at Siva. The graceful posture of the head reflects the playful mood of the bull. The short horns, the Manīrekhā (Jewel band) on the forehead are all surviving elements of the earlier types. But, a niskarmälä (Necklace of Coin disks) replaces the usual rattle garland.45 (P1.V)
Nandi of Vīņādhara śiva, Varnama is assignable to c.8th cent. A.D. The figures fail to achieve the vividness of the lively beast. The modeling too is defective. 46
One more example from Varnama (Near Baroda) can be ascribed to c. 10th cent. A.D. As before, it figures as a mount for Hara-Gaurī. Its size is consistent with the size of the riders. But, the head is broken. The vivaciousness of the beast in this instance is clearly apparent.47
Nandi Vāhana of Nateśa, Prabhas Patan: Originally, from the Somanātha temple belongs to c.11th or 12th cent. A.D. It is now preserved in the Prabhas Patan Museum, Prabhas (Somnatha). Nandi looks up to witness the dance of his master and the posture is noticeably graceful. The Vrsa however, is rather small in comparison to the earlier.ones. Yet, in relation to Siva, the imagery seems lively and vigorous. 48
