The art and architecture of India - Buddhist, Hindu, Jain (Art Ebook)

254 THE GOLDEN AGE AND END OF BUDDHIST ART
Bengal and may be dated to the sixth century
a.d. On the neck of this object is a plaque with a
representation of a group of dancing figures
reminiscent of the bacchanalian reliefs of the
Kushan Period at Mathura. The weight is
framed in prongs terminating in lotus buds
which recall the pliant, decorative plant forms
of ornamental Gupta sculpture in stone.
Among the most splendid examples of the
minor arts in the Gupta Period are the gold
coins of the reigning dynasty. Especially
notable is a coin of Chandragupta II, showing
the king slaying a lion [191]. The lithe, surging
figure of the royal lion-slayer echoes the tense
curve of his bow, and the whole design appears
as a miniature reflection of such Gupta carvings
as the reliefs of Gwalior and Aihole [158 and
180]. This medal and another gold piece of
191 (far left). Coin of Chandragupta II
from the Bayhana hoard.
Muttra, Archaeological Museum
192. Coin of Kumaragupta I from the Bayhana hoard.
New Delhi, National Museum
Kumaragupta I from the famous Bayhana
hoard, showing a king attacking a rhinoceros
[192], are like distant echoes of the scenes of the
hunt on Sasanian plates and, like them, are
intended as symbolic references to the valour
and invincible prowess of the sovereign. 22