E-Paper
A tradition that is 2000 years old
India, identified with its vast cultural heritage, is also known for its deeply ingrained customs and traditions which are still followed in the society. Tracing their origin and the cause of their popularity often reveals interesting facts. Likewise, a terracotta plaque belonging to 2nd century BC found in Kaushambi and kept securely at Allahabad Museum reveals that the tradition of showering of coins along with dry fruits during the departure of bride to groom's place after marriage ceremony to celebrate the moment dates .
Showering of coins during departure of bride
India, identified with its vast cultural heritage, is also known for its deeply ingrained customs and traditions which are still followed in the society. Tracing their origin and the cause of their popularity often reveals interesting facts.
Likewise, a terracotta plaque belonging to 2nd century BC found in Kaushambi and kept securely at Allahabad Museum reveals that the tradition of showering of coins along with dry fruits during the departure of bride to groom's place after marriage ceremony to celebrate the moment dates back to more than two thousand years.
As claimed by Dr Prabhakar Pandey, keeper education, "The plaque belongs to the Shung period. Ironically, depicting the origin of this tradition, this plaque has a particular story of its own," he said.
The plaque shows three riders on an elephant with the last one showering gold coins. "The first rider is Vasvadatta, daughter of king Chandrapradyot, ruler of Avanti, while the second rider is king Udayan of Vatsa holding a veena. And the third person is the attendant who is shown showering the gold coins. Actually, the plaque is about the elopement of Vasvadatta with Udayan and the attendant is shown showering the gold coins in order to distract the soldiers following them," said Dr Pandey.
According to Dr Pandey, the plaque is the best example to show the origin of this tradition. However, the objective has been altered now with the practice being associated to express one's happiness.
"Shung period was the origin of art which left no societal issue untouched. Even wrestling, feeding the birds etc were taken into consideration for an artist's theme," he added.
Similarly, another terracotta plaque highlights an interesting fact which is a bacchanalian scene dating back to 2nd century BC and excavated from Ahichchhatra (Bareilly district). The scene in terracotta shows a female in an inebriated condition and being assisted and carried away by a male attendant.
"The ornaments donned by her shows that she must be belonging to rich class.
The scene also shows a cot kept behind which pertains to the probability of her being laid on it later. A female attendant is shown holding a container, perhaps of the liquor. In fact, we could say that women consumed alcohol openly during those times in India," said Dr Pandey.
Dr Pandey also stated that during that period people of high status in society were often depicted in much bigger size than the common people such as attendants and servants.
