Some Interesting Sculptures of Yaksas and Kubera from Rajasthan
Summary
The article examines the cult of Kubera in ancient India, tracing its origins to very remote times. It cites Patañjali's Mahābhāṣya (edited by Kielhorn, Bombay, 1892) as evidence for the existence of religious sanctuaries dedicated to Kubera, and references C. Sivarama Murti's observations on the Kalpadruma from Besnagar. The main argument is that the region of Rajasthan, particularly around Bharatpur, Sambhar, Kaman, Bhinmal, Osian, Banswara, Abhaneri, and Kumbhalgarh, holds a significant and diverse collection of early historic and Gupta period sculptures depicting Kubera and Yakṣas, which illustrate the evolution and iconographic details of the deity. The author presents evidence from various discovered artifacts, including a late-Maurya Yakṣa statue from Bharatpur discovered by Dr. V. Ṭ. Agrawala in the Journal of the U.P. Historical Society, and a colossal statue from Noh. D. R. Sahni's fragmentary Kubera tablet from Sambhar is discussed, as is a well-preserved Gupta sculpture from Kaman showing the deity holding a money bag and a cup of wine. The text also details a post-Gupta Kubera sculpture found at Bhinmal in 1954, a giant Yakṣa image at Osian, and a unique Jaina Kubera sculpture from Bausi preserved in the Victoria Hall Museum at Udaipur, which features miniature Jina figures on the crown. Furthermore, the article analyzes iconographic variations, such as the depiction of Kubera with an elephant, a bull, or a ram as his vehicle, referencing the Sakrai Math Stone Inscription of Vikrama Samvat 699 and the Anupamāgama. It concludes by noting a life-size statue of Kubera in the Kumbhadeva temple at Kumbhalgarh, which provides insight into 15th-century economic conditions.
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Conclusion
The article highlights significant sculptural discoveries of Yaksas and Kubera across Rajasthan, revealing the region's rich artistic and religious history from the late-Maurya through the post-Gupta periods. Key findings include terracotta and stone figures from Bharatpur and Sambhar, a well-preserved Gupta sculpture from Kaman depicting Kubera in the Asavapayi form, and a unique Jaina Kubera image from Bansi featuring miniature meditating Jinas. The Osian and Bhatinda temples host massive sculptures, while a life-size Kubera statue at Kumbhalgarh illustrates contemporary 15th-century economic conditions. These artifacts underscore the enduring cult of Kubera and the evolution of his iconography, including varied attributes, vehicles, and stylistic influences, thereby enriching the understanding of early historic and post-Gupta art in Rajasthan.