Bharhut Medallion Series-28 Mandalas Reimagined

 

Bharhut Medallions: Ancient Art, New Inspiration

When I first visited the Indian Museum in Kolkata in 2023, I was drawn to the delicate dark red sandstone carvings from the Bharhut Stupa. Among them, the circular medallions—filled with lotuses, animals, and rhythmic patterns—felt like whispers from an ancient world.

Built during the Mauryan and Shunga periods, the Bharhut Stupa is one of the earliest monuments of Buddhist art. Instead of showing Buddha in human form, it used symbols—the lotus, the wheel, and the tree of life—to express deeper truths. Today, its surviving relics rest in Kolkata, carrying forward a legacy spanning over 2,000 years.

While most people focus on the famous Jataka tales carved at Bharhut, what fascinated me were these medallions. They reminded me of Bengal’s alpana—ritual patterns drawn with rice paste—yet were carved in stone centuries ago. Their symmetry, flowing lines, and quiet poetry became the seed for my new project.

Photo reference from book: Remains of Bharhut Stupa in Indian Museum by Arabinda Ghosh

Three Styles of Bharhut Ornamentation

Plant Style: Lotus & Water Cosmology

At the heart of many medallions is the lotus, symbol of purity and creation. Tied to ancient water cosmology, the lotus represents life emerging from the primordial waters—the eternal Tree of Life. Both pink and blue lotuses bloom across these carvings.

Animal Style: Nature & Mythical Beasts

Natural and mythical creatures—elephants, snakes, swans, peacocks, even winged lions—circle within these medallions, reminding us how nature and myth intertwined in early Indian art.

Geometric Style: Symbols of Auspiciousness

The geometric motifs at Bharhut might look decorative at first glance, but many carry deeper meanings. Swastikas and sauvastikas, for example, were carved not only for their visual rhythm but also as signs of auspiciousness and well-being. Some designs were inspired by jewellery and ornaments of the period, weaving cultural life into sacred art.

My Series: 28 Medallions Reimagined

Inspired by these timeless carvings, I’ve created 28 mandala-style artworks, reimagining the medallions with modern illustration. The dark red backgrounds echo the original sandstone, while the floral and animal motifs pay homage to their ancient beauty.

This is the first in a series of eight posts where I’ll share four artworks at a time, exploring their designs and stories.

Information credit: Remains of Bharhut Stupa in Indian Museum by Arabinda Ghosh