THE INDIAN HUNTRESSES:NYMPHS OR GODDESSES? (original) (raw)

In Indian sculpture, from ancient times to the mediaeval period, the theme of hunting as a female pursuit is indeed rare. In contrast with the visual arts, in the narratives and myths of the oral tradition huntresses are described in detail, taking on divine or semidivine form. Goddesses of the forests or mothers of divinities, they incarnate cults and traditions of nomadic and pastoral communities. This research focuses on the geographical area of Karnataka, and in particular on analysis of the steles, denominated madanika, situated in the Temple of Cenna Ke®ava, Belur, depicting the theme of hunting by women. With an interdisciplinary approach, embracing anthropological, historical, numismatic and artistic study, comparison is made among the various sources on the possible interpretation of these subjects. The material belonging to the oral tradition, patiently collected and published by Sontheimer, o ers us a varied and in some respects comprehensive view of what the goddess was, as imagined, described and recounted in her various deeds and situations, whether hunting or engaged in any other activity. Unfortunately, none of these situations was translated into gurative terms, which makes interpretation all the more di cult. The theme of the woman with bow and arrow is to be found in local craftwork in the form of trinkets or even carved into the processional carts, but is hardly likely to be found carved in the stone of temple buildings. The aim of this study is to arrive at a full understanding of the reasons for this choice. This would also result in bringing light over a far wider range in the history of Indian art in the mediaeval period.