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Torana terminal with makara, lion, and rider

India, reportedly Kesanapalli, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh

3rd century CE

Not on view

Among the most spectacular aspects of the great gateways (toranas) marking the entrances to stupa pathways—apart from sheer grandeur and scale—were the wondrous animals that projected from the ends of the gateway crossbars. This torana terminal depicts a lion with a diminutive human rider leaping from the jaws of a sea monster (makara). Prior to the excavation of this terminal in the 1960s, such gateways were known only from depictions in Andhra stupa sculptural reliefs. In 2002–3 the excavation at the Phanigiri monastery uncovered large sections of a similar gateway (displayed nearby).

Torana terminal with makara, lion, and rider, Limestone, India, reportedly Kesanapalli, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Torana terminal with makara, lion, and rider, Limestone, India, reportedly Kesanapalli, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh

Torana terminal with makara, lion, and rider, Limestone, India, reportedly Kesanapalli, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh

Torana terminal with makara, lion, and rider, Limestone, India, reportedly Kesanapalli, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh

Torana terminal with makara, lion, and rider, Limestone, India, reportedly Kesanapalli, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Torana terminal with makara, lion, and rider

Period: Ikshvaku

Date: 3rd century CE

Culture: India, reportedly Kesanapalli, Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh

Medium: Limestone

Dimensions: Overall: H. 22 3/4 in. (57.8 cm); W. 15 1/2 in. (39.4 cm); D. 39 in. (99.1 cm)

Classification: Sculpture

Credit Line: Lent by Baudhasri Archaeological Museum, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh

Rights and Reproduction: Photo by Theirry Ollivier

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