Capital

myminifactory

A majestic winged lion sculpture stands proudly, its carved sandstone body sourced from Mathura's rich quarries in Uttar Pradesh. Dating back to the late 1st or early 2nd century AD, this stunning piece of artistry emerged during India's Kushan period. Originally serving as a pillar capital, it framed the entrance to a revered enclosure, where devotees would gather to pay homage. The lion's tail is uniquely shaped, resembling an aquatic creature in most depictions, but here perhaps represents a plough share - a symbol closely tied to Balarama, the Hindu deity associated with agriculture and the land.