A Drumer

 A Drumer

 
Post-Gupta period,8th Century  AD, Kota  Museum

            One of the rarest sculptures of the Kota Museum. In Rajasthan  we don't  have too much of post-Gupta period art. This is a rare example of that period. Secondly, the sculpture  sits  in a horse-shoe window--a part of Gupta architecture. Thirdly, notice the  two dragon-like 'Makars' on both the sides of the Drumer. They seem to be a motif from Chinese art. Fourthly, is the sculpture  a depiction  of a Gandharva--a heavenly muscian, or of a mere mortal who is a muscian?  Has the artist elevated  an ordinary  muscian  to the status of a Gandharva? Fifthly, does the muscian  symbolise the gaiety  of life amongst troubles and difficulties--the two 'Makars' on the sides? It is an enigmatic  piece of art.