India's Rare Life-Sized Stucco Sculpture unearthed in Telangana

May 1, 2019

Indian archaeologists recently unearthed a rare life-sized stucco sculpture from a Buddhist site at Phanigiri in Suryapet, Telangana.

Key Features of Stucco Sculpture

Till date it is the biggest stucco sculpture found in India. It is about 1.73 metres in height and 35 cm in width.
As per archaeologists, the life-size figurine represents a Bhodhisattva in Jathaka Chakra.
It was created nearly 1,700 years ago by craftsmen at Phanigiri at peak of Ikshavaku dynasty.

About Stucco

It is a material made from aggregates, binder, and water. It is applied wet and hardens in to a very dense solid.
Traditional stucco is made of sand, water and lime while Modern stucco is made of sand, water and Portland cement. To increase permeability and workability of modern stucco, Lime is added to it.
Uses: It is used as a decorative coating for walls and ceilings, and as a sculptural and artistic material in architecture.

NOTE
Bhodhisattva: In Buddhism is any person who has attained bodhichitta (or Enlightenment) and is on path to reach nirvana (moksha) but delays doing so for compassion of suffering beings.
The Ikshvaku dynasty: As per Puranic literature, it was founded by king Ikshvaku. It is also known as Sūryavaṁśa (the Solar dynasty). Important Personalities belonging to this dynasty includes: Lord Rama, Twenty-two out of twenty-four Jain Tirthankara, and according to Buddhist texts, Prince Siddhartha also belonged to this dynasty.

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