Didarganj Yakshi

The Didarganj Yakshi (or Didarganj Chauri Bearer) is one of the finest examples of Mauryan art. Alternatively, it is also dated to the 2nd century CE, based on the analysis of shape and ornamentation.

The sculpture is currently located in the Patna Museum in Bihar, India. It is 64" tall, carved out of a single piece of stone. This life-size standing image is tall, well-proportioned, free-standing sculpture is made of sandstone with well polished surface. The chauri is held in the right hand whereas the left hand is broken. The lower garment create a somewhat transparent effect. The Didarganj Yakshi is estimated to date from ca. 3rd century BCE to the 2nd century CE. It was excavated on the banks of the Ganges River, at the hamlet of Didarganj Kadam Basual, in October 1917.

The Yakshi was moved to the Patna museum by noted archaeologist and historian, Dr. J N Samaddar. A specialist in Buddhist history and artefacts, Professor Samaddar carried on extensive archaeological digs throughout the areas inhabited by the Buddha, his follower the emperor Ashoka as well as documentation and excavation of architecture and artefacts of the Gupta empire and Maurya dynasty. He was also responsible for much of the work carried on for the archaeological surveys of the Nalanda University seen as one of the finest examples of higher education facilities during Buddhist India. Samaddar published several books on Buddhist history, most noted amongst which is the condensation of his lecture series "The Glories of Magadha."

The statue's nose was damaged during a travelling exhibition, The Festival of India, en route to Smithsonian Institution and the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., USA.

The Didarganj Chauri Bearer is widely viewed by archaeologists as one of the finest and most precious artefacts of ancient Indian sculptural art.

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