The Mathura lion capital is an Indo-Scythian sandstone capital from Mathura in Northern India, dated to the first decade of the 1st century CE. It was consecrated under the rule of Rajuvula, one of the Northern Satraps of the region of Mathura.
The Mathura lion capital on display in the Sir Joseph Hotung Gallery for China and South Asia, at the British Museum.
Buddhist symbol of the triratana at the center of the capital, supported by a convoluted tree, possibly a variation of the anthemion design.
Kharoshthi inscription on base of Mathura capital.
Lion detail on the Mathura lion capital. British Museum.
The Indo-Scythians were a group of nomadic people of Iranic Scythian origin who migrated from Central Asia southward into the northwestern Indian subcontinent: the present-day South Asian regions of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Eastern Iran and northern India. The migrations persisted from the middle of the second century BCE to the fourth century CE.
Sculpted head of a Saka warrior, enemy of the Yuezhi, from Khalchayan in northern Bactria (Afghanistan), first century BCE.
Detail of one of the Orlat plaques, apparently representing Scythian soldiers
Asia in 100 BCE, showing the Saka and their neighbors
Coin of Maues depicting Balarama, 1st century BCE (British Museum)