Kashmir
bronzes in focus
In significant find, four ninth century idols unearthed
Srinagar:
The Archaeology Department here has unearthed bronze idols dating
back to the ninth century A.D., which showcase Kashmir's elegant
bronze art, from Kupwara district of North Kashmir.
They
depict Vishnu and Vaishnavi and were found at Zurhama, 95 km from
here, on April 24, Deputy Director of Archaeology, Archives and
Museums M.S. Zahid said.
He
said the discovery was the first of its kind in Kupwara and bore
testimony to the distinctive bronze art history of Kashmir, the
earliest evidence of which was found in the southern Kashmir districts
of Anantnag and Pulwama.
The
biggest of the sculptures, measuring 27 cm x 15 cm, was of Vaishnavi,
seated cross-legged on a pedestal designed as a lotus. A second
one, measuring 23 cm x 13 cm, was of Vishnu riding the Garuda.
In
addition, pottery pieces were found during a trial dig at the
site.
The
finds are considered very significant in view of the varied religious
influences that, historically, have swept over the region, which
is located at the junction of India, Central Asia, and China-Tibet.
PTI
http://www.hindu.com/2006/04/28/stories/2006042805752200.htm