Fragmented torso of a man with sanghati. India, Uttar Pradesh, Gupta period, 3rd-6th century AD.

Fragmented torso of a man with sanghati. India, Uttar Pradesh, Gupta period, 3rd-6th century AD.
Terracotta.
Measurements: 35 cm.

Terracotta fragment representing a male torso partially covered by a sanghati, an outer monastic robe used in Buddhist culture to provide greater warmth or for formal occasions. It highlights the fineness in the folds of the garment as well as the slenderness and definition of the male torso.

The Gupta period was undoubtedly one of the most brilliant periods in the history of Indian art. The Gupta Empire was one of the greatest political and military empires in the history of India, ruled by the dynasty of the same name between 320 and 550 AD, occupying most of Northern India and the current East Pakistan and Bangladesh. Thanks to the peace that prevailed during this period, the cultural level of the city was conducive to artistic, literary and even scientific development. Within the sculpture, characterized by its balanced and smiling aspect, the artistic centers of Mathura and Gandhara stood out, which exported their productions to other territories of northern India.