Women in Indian Art

Contents: Foreword. 1. Introduction. 2. Women in the art of the Mauryas and Sungas. 3. Women of the Satavahana and Ikshvaku centres of art. 4. Women in the Kusanas. 5. Women of Gupta : Vakataka Milieu of Indian Art. Conclusion. Bibliography. Index. 

From the foreword:  the main attraction of the ancient Indian art is the celestial females of eternal beauty. These damsels are known by various names such as Shalbhanjika ( a woman bending or breaking the twig of a  shal tree), yakshi ( a folk deity whose male form is yaksha). Sura-sundari ( a divine beauty), etc.

The Dancing Girl. Now 4 high, made in bronze, found from HR area in Mohenjodaro, is very remarkable. Her right hand rests on the hip, her left arm, covered entirely with bangles, hangs loosely and the posture of the legs is easy. She has large eyes, flat nose and bunched curly hair and gives the look of an aboriginal tribal lady. Her head is titled and feet below her ankles are missing. This dancing girl is the first portrayal of feminine charm in Indian art.