An inscribed Sculpture inspired by Hāla’s Gāthāsaptasatī
By Sant Lal Katare
Summary
Sant Lal Katare examines an 11th‑century bas‑relief discovered at Tewar near Jabalpur. Early scholars recognised its importance but could not decipher the inscription on the pedestal. After obtaining an ink impression, Katare reads the two‑line inscription and shows that it quotes a verse from the Prakrit anthology Gāthāsaptasatī describing a secret meeting between lovers. The sculpture depicts a man reclining on a couch pretending to sleep while his beloved leans to kiss him, with attendants arranged around the scene. Katare analyses stylistic features characteristic of the Kalacuri school of Tripurī: bold outlines, dense composition and a naturalistic portrayal of emotion. He interprets the gestures and facial expressions of the figures, relating them to the narrative of the verse. The article discusses the social and literary significance of the Gāthāsaptasatī and its influence on medieval art. On palaeographic grounds and stylistic parallels, Katare dates the bas‑relief to the 11th century and suggests that it may have adorned a palace wall.
Conclusion
Katare’s study bridges literature and visual art. By deciphering the inscription and analysing the bas‑relief, he shows how a verse from the Gāthāsaptasatī inspired a vivid sculptural narrative, highlighting the sophistication of Kalacuri art and its connection to literary culture.