Medallion 22- Bharhut Series

 

Medallion Style: Animal

This medallion is dominated by the majestic peacock, its fan-shaped tail spread wide, filling almost the entire field. The central bird stands proud, with its śikhi (head-plumes) accentuating its regal bearing. On either side, two smaller peacocks appear in pecking posture, creating a rhythmic balance between grandeur and intimacy.

The peacock holds deep cultural resonance in Indian tradition, symbolizing beauty, grace, and cosmic harmony. Its sweeping feathers are often associated with fertility, rain, and renewal, while its proud stance reflects sovereignty and divine guardianship. The pairing of the central bird with its companions suggests a narrative of community and continuity, woven elegantly into the geometry of the medallion.

This design exemplifies how the Bharhut artists infused natural motifs with layers of symbolic meaning, turning a bird into a metaphor for the cycle of life and the splendor of creation.

Information & Reference Image Credit- Remains of Bharhut Stupa in Indian Museum by Arabinda Ghosh

Original medallion

Behind the scenes