Mathura: Railing

INDIA, Uttar Pradesh, Mathura

The railing was discovered at Mathura. After the fall of the Maurya period (circa 321–185 BCE), Mathura belonged briefly to the Sunga period (circa 185–75 BCE) before reverting to local rule. The railing is a work of the 1st century BCE.
Both railing posts have been broken off at top and bottom. The piece on the left shows a tree surrounded by railings with parasols within it and a balustrade beyond. The one on the right features three different motifs within medallions: the base of a lotus, a garlanded Dharma wheel on a Sumeru stand, and a winged lion. The pantel between the two posts shows a similar lotus motif with eleven petals. The style of the carving is similar to those found at Bharhut and Sanchi Stupa 2.