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Vol-1, XX1X
BULL AND NANDI IMAGES OF GUJARAT
Vrsa from Matoda, Sabarkantha district has broken horns and ears. The muzzle is highly worn out. However, the elongated big head, broader temple, inflated nostrils and big wide open eyes are all admirably done and quite handsome. The dewlap is hidden behind the modaka-patra. A metal strip encircles the neck. A niskamālā passes from behind the hump and posses a central knot and loop. It is an excellent example of 10th cent. A.D.66
A multilated Nandi assignable to 10th 11th cent. A.D. is lying in front of the Pasupati or Lakulisa temple on Mt. Pavagadh. Its head and hump are broken and lost. The sitting posture and ornaments are as usual. (P1.XIII)
The present writer has brought to light a broken image of Nandi on the eastern bank of the tank at Danteśvara, Pratapnagar, Vadodara. Unfortunately the image is spoiled by modern oil-paints. Here the bull is adorned with a rope around the neck. The ghugharmālā is on his back and manīrekhā on his forehead. In front of the animal are seen the modaka, kunika and the gana figure. This bull can be assigned to 11th - 12th cent. A.D. on stylistic ground.
AL
Another sandstone Vrsa noted by the author is from Garbada, District Dahod. It is assignable to 11th cent. A. D.67 Nandī horns and portions of its mouth are broken. The dewlap folds are rather stylised. It has lost the inner force and vigour. The decorative garland is formalised. A big ghanta is attached to the strip around the neck. Another highly ornamented garland passes from behind the hump. The hump and the legs are rather stiff. (P1.XIV)
Nandī, Mahića, Kheda district is the only known inscribed Vrsa image so far discovered form Gujarat. Unfortunately the muzzle at the end parts of the horns are broken. The dewlap folds are suggestive of corrugated lines. A metallic chain goes around the neck. A beaded ghugharmālā in this instance is elaborate and highly ornamented. The horn ornaments (śrngabharna) is worthy to note. According to Dhaky it shows a few peculiarities of the Karnātā Vrsa.68 He dates it o the c.1269 A.D. on the basis of two inscriptions and art style.69 (P1.XV)
Originally hailing from Ankleshwar, Bharuch district: A massive Nandi which is presently in the Gulab Udyan, Gandhinagar. Unfortunately the mouth and the face are broken. The niskamālā is going from the back of the hump. The Nandi can be assigned to 12th - 13th cent. A.D. Contemporary to it is the Nandi at Dahod. The sculpture is multilated and the head is completely lost. The hump is small and
