Vishnu on Garuda

5th century

This terracotta panel once decorated the exterior of a brick temple. It shows Vishnu riding Garuda into battle, blowing his conch and holding what appears to be an archer’s bow. Even in its current condition, the relief captures the dynamism of the scene. Garuda has been represented in a kind of shorthand, with just a head and wings. The identity of the smaller figure—also apparently riding on Garuda and preparing to shoot an arrow—remains unclear.