The medieval history of Nepal, beginning from the 9th century A.D. and continuing to the end of the 11th century A.D., is regarded as a dark period. There are very few dated images and colophons of this period which shed light on the chronological history of Nepal. The Surya image of Saugal (PI. 10) which was inscribed and dated A.D. 1083 belonged to this period.
The image of Surya, the Sun-god. was shown standing erect on a simple rectangular base holding a lotus flower in each hand. The figure of Surya (PI. I I ) was elongated and slender. He wore a crown; lncl ornaments such as earrings, a necklace, armlets, bracelets and a sacred thread. His lower garment was secured by a girdle, and a semi-circular sash was suspended between his thighs. He was flanked by Danda and Pingala on his right and left, respectively. Danda was shown holding a sword in this right hand and an ink pot in his left, while Pingala stood carrying a staff in his left hand and a fly-whisk in his right. An oval halo was seen behind the head of each divinity.
Also the border of the whole stele was decorated with a pearl and flame motif. Since there had been attempts to steal this image previously, the local people. protected it with ;In iron grill (PI. 12). In spite of this precaution, this image of great historical value was stolen on the night of May 16, 1985 (PI. 12).
Details
- Title : Surya
- Year : A.D. 1083
- Medium : Grey limestone
- Dimension : Ht. 34 inches
- Accession No : Stolen on the night of May 16, 1985
- Country/ Geo-location : Saugal, Patan
- Collection : Stolen Images of Nepal – Lain S.Bangdel