Book Title: Vaishali Abhinandan Granth
Author(s): Yogendra Mishra
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology and Ahimsa

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Page 287
________________ 246 Homage to Vaisali lion couchant to right or left holding fillet in outstretched right hand and cornucopia in left arm; her feet rest on lotus; behind her on left are traces of the back of a throne on most specimens. The commemoration of the event appears to have had great significance and it is more than probable that Candragupta I must have derived much benefit from it. It may be a matter of conjecture if the Gupta Emperor had political considerations in issuing a gold coinage in names of himself and Licchavis jointly bearing the image of his Licchavi consort. Excavations were carried out at the site of the Liccbavi capital Vaisali (Basadh) by Dr. Bloch in the year 1903 and the work was continued by Dr. Spooner in 1912 who like Dr. Bloch brought to light a large number of terracotta figurines, pieces of pottery and inscribed seals, among which one clay seal is ascribed to the Mauryan Period. The number of vessels and potsherds unearthed at Vaisali is very large. They are mostly of the same type as recovered from Pataliputra and modern Patna. Overlaps of pottery types from one stratum to another enable us to suggest a continuous occupation of the place of excavation for many centuries. This theory holds good in the case of Vaisali as well where overlapping of pottery types is a common feature. There each stratum produced varieties of potsherds and vessels besides other minor antiquities. The vessels found at Vaisali are mostly red wares with red slip. Fragments having leaf design showing admixture of mica flakes and decorated with "rain drop" pattern are interesting specimens of this collection. The use of mica in earthen wares to impart lustrous surfacce may be common in those days as articles found in Pataliputra and Patna also show the same characteristic. Some of the fragments have been found to be ornamented and decorated in higb relief. There are specimens which are decorated with incised lines and geometrical design. There are also some yellow, green, brown, grey and black polished potsherds such as the beautiful fragment of glazed dish the upper surface of which shows pattern of radiating rays with border. its colour is yellow ground with green and brown lines having plain light yellow colour for the outer surface. There are fragments which have blue, black gale. Some of the grave wares have black slip and are highly polished. There are dishes which have a painted base and rim. Some of the types of pottery found in different strata may be briefly mentioned as follows: 1. Among the wares jar is very common. It has a light body with thin walls and do well designed neck. 2. Bottle necked jar in small sizes.

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