Medallion 7- Bharhut Series

 

Medallion Style: Plant

This medallion showcases the brilliance of early Indian artisans in combining natural and geometric designs. At the center lies a lotus, encircled by an inner ring of twisted creeper moulding—an embrace of organic rhythm.

Beyond this circle unfolds an alternating pattern of stylised overblown lotuses and leaves. The lotuses, their petals drooping down to expose the stamens and pericarp, alternate with leaf forms that resemble triangular motifs. Together, these floral and vegetal elements create a mesmerising balance of symmetry and variation, where geometry and nature meet.

What I find most fascinating in this medallion is the dialogue between natural inspiration and geometric order—how petals and leaves are abstracted into repeating patterns without losing their organic vitality. To me, this is where Bharhut’s medallions feel closest to Bengal’s alpana tradition: taking forms from nature and then stylizing them into rhythmic, almost musical designs.

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

Original medallion

Behind the scenes