Ardoxsho (Kushan Goddess) or Middle Aged Woman: Iconographic study of Kushan Terracotta Figurine unearthed From Mandoli-A Multicultural Archaeological site of Delhi

Ardoxsho (Kushan Goddess) or Middle Aged Woman: Iconographic study of Kushan Terracotta Figurine unearthed From Mandoli-A Multicultural Archaeological site of Delhi Ankit Chanchal PhD Scholar, School of Heritage Research and Management, Ambedkar University, Delhi Abstract The Kushan terracotta art from the first to third century CE is a vital artistic and cultural heritage that sheds light on the religious customs, social diversity attire, ornamentation and aesthetic expressions such as music, dance, and gestures of early historic north India. Influenced by changing social connections and varying political power, these terracottas exhibit unique stylistic and technological phases, with significant innovations like hollow molding and the earliest depictions of seated human figures in terracotta art. Kushan miniatures typically portray human figures, mainly female deities, attendants, and domestic women in both seated and standing positions, highlighting themes of femininity, fertility, devotion, and everyday life. Their iconography represents a unique blend of central Asian, Hellenistic, and native Indian tradition of moulding. Beyond their artistic value, these miniatures provide crucial evidence for reconstructing the urban settings and socio-religious dynamics of the Kushan period. This paper explores a seated terracotta figurine found in the Kushan-period at Mandoli, a Multicultural archaeological site located in East Delhi that has been a continuous settlement from the Late Harappan period to the Gupta period, excavated by the Delhi State Archaeology Department. The study is focused on a primary objective: identifying whether the figurine depicts an ordinary middle-aged woman as characterized by many scholars or the Kushan goddess Ardoxsho. Additionally the paper aims to enhance the interpretive framework for examining gender issues, ritual practices and symbolic representations within the terracotta tradition of the Kushan Period. The final section highlights the methodological issues surrounding the collection, classification and documentation of minor and broken objects.