2008.8 Doorjamb

This is the left doorjamb (dvara-shakha) from a temple in central or western India (the present-day states of Madhya Pradesh or Rajasthan). This elegant, voluptuous high relief carved in sandstone reflects typical methods of temple construction in this region, and the style conforms closely to that of the 10th or 11th century. It embodies the close union of sculpture and architecture in Indian temples and represents the developed styles of northern India following the break-up of the Gupta Empire.

Of the three figures at the base, the central one represents a personification of either the river Yamuna, usually recognized by her tortoise vehicle, or the river Ganges, identified by her crocodile-like (makara) vehicle. These personifications of north India's two major rivers invariably flank temple doorways. In this case, the identifying vehicle no longer remains beneath the figure's feet, so it is not possible to say which river she represents. The goddess is shown in a lush tribhanga pose. This s-curve pose ultimately goes back to Greco-Roman art, via trade along the Silk Road. She is flanked by a sensuous female attendant to her left, holding a lotus flower, and a male guardian to her right, holding a sword. The central niches of the column hold deities, while ganas, lively dancing dwarves associated with fertility and the god Shiva, are placed to either side of the central figures. The uppermost deity wears a tunic and high boots, holding a lotus in each hand, features that clearly identify him as the solar deity Surya. An undulating lotus creeper runs along the doorway opening on the right side, while stylized petals run along the opposite side of the doorjamb.

Door jambs like this example were commonly used to frame the main entrance into Hindu temples and provided elegant decoration as well as imagery reflecting the power of birth and generation. The tilt of the lower figures to the right indicates that this elaborate column framed the left hand side of a doorway. The use of the two river goddesses as protective figures flanking doors goes back to at least the 6th century, reflecting the importance of water as a sign of fertility and life in Hindu beliefs. Often, as here, there is a celestial figure at the top (in this case, the sun god Surya) to balance good fortune in heaven and on earth. In some similar examples, erotic couples fill the central niches, stressing the symbolism of fertility and prosperity. 

Hinduism 

hinduism: AAT: 300073727

Madhya Pradesh: TGN: 1001894

Rajasthan: TGN: 7016788

India (nation): TGN: 7000198

sandstone: AAT: 300011376

high reliefs (sculpture): 300184782

Temples: AAT: 300007595

doorjambs (doorframe compononents): AAT: 300069081

tenth century (dates CE): AAT: 300404502

eleventh century (dates CE): AAT: 3000404503

Ganges, River (river): TGN: 7001674

Yamuna (river): TGN: 1131993

Until 1970: Spink & Son, Ltd., London

1970-2008: Leonidas Goulandris (b. 1927)

From 2008: Dallas Museum of Art, gift of David T. Owsley via the Alvin and Lucy Owsley Foundation and Wendover Discretionary Fund, purchased from Carlton Rochell Asian Art, New York [1] 

Apply to objects where number equals 2008.8