Displayed at the Government Museum and Art Gallery, Chandigarh, the motif of a woman holding on to the branches of a Sal tree is commonly referred to as Salabhanjika. It represents the fertility and abundance of nature.
This stone sculpture is a detail from a railing of a second-century Buddhist stupa found at Sanghol in Punjab. Sanghol was an important town on the ancient Silk Route and served as a meeting place for traders, pilgrims, artists, etc. Located on the Uttarapath – a major trade route, it connected Taxila with Mathura, Kaushambi, Sarnath, and Pataliputra. Here is a question for you about this motif.
This quiz has been created by the Heritage Lab and the Government Museum and Art Gallery, Chandigarh.
Also read:
Forget the Kohinoor, could we have the Amaravati Stupa sculptures back please?
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!