Hairstyles in Ancient Indian Sculptures – a Photo Essay
This post is for a photo challenge with the theme STYLE (Hair). I took this as an opportunity to share pictures of hairstyles of ancient times in India depicted through Indian sculptures.
Hairstyles in Ancient Indian Sculptures
Several temples of India have sculpted images of women having long hair and different hairstyles. Women having ‘high bun’ hairstyle.
Both the above pictures are taken in temples of Hampi in Karnataka. I guess both are sculpted by the same the same sculptor as they have the same hair style.
Woman with very long hair from Hampi in Karnataka. Notice the monkey in the corner pulling her hair.
Women in ancient times maintained long hair which is evident from the numerous sculpted images in ancient temples. The above shot taken in Hampi, Karnataka is one such depiction. Probably she is drying her long hair after bath. At the bottom corner you can see a little monkey pulling her long hair. The sculptor tried to induce some humor in work I guess.
Men too sported long hair. Some sculpted images depict their stylised hair. This clearly shows they associated hair with style and charm.
Hairstyles in Ancient Indian Sculptures from museum in Hampi
This statues is completely dabbed with sandalwood paste. The hairstyle is completely camouflaged yet the outlines show some interesting pattern. There are other images which depict very elaborate and decorative headgear.
Hairstyles in Ancient Indian Sculptures from Pattadakal
The figure below is one close shot of another hairstyle.
Hairstyles in Ancient Indian Sculptures. This is from Pattadakal in Karnataka.
In the image above, the sculptor has depicted the male figure supporting the fancy hairstyle while whispering sweet nothings as the female figure rests her hand on his shoulder. In the figure below the male is seen supporting some kind of head gear. The woman has an elegant hair bun. There is a parting in the center and some kind of jewel in the hair bun.
Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage site has some fantastic sculpted images of women with elaborate hairstyles.
From Gopurams of Srirangam
Srirangam has 21 gopurams (gates). Some of them are elaborately carved. The following three images are from west gopuram in the 3rd layer from outside.
Pin this for later
If you have liked these medieval hairstyles of women in India add it to your collection by pinning it. You can share with share buttons.
Beautiful 🙂
How neat Indrani. Look at that long, flowing hair. Inspired sculptures.
Hairstyles…what an interesting idea for a post. Everyone seemed to have long, flowing tresses in those days. I suppose haircuts were not the order of the day. One needs a keen eye for detail for such observations..and you do have one 🙂
That is such a unique and different post. I really enjoyed reading it. Hair are important part of beauty and the women and men both have adorned them so nicely.
This is fascinating, but I didn’t realise hairstyles were so different on statues, never having paid much attention before! I love the monkey in the pulling her hair, that’s my favourite!
This is so interesting! I’ve never paid much attention to hairstyles in sculptures before. It’s so cool that the sculptors were able to capture the elaborate styles of women from long ago.
Hair has been always important in adding beauty. They did have elaborate hairstyles. Nice carvings.
This post brought back memories of my childhood. My father had an Indian shop assistant and I remember how fascinated I was by her beautiful long black hair. She mostly wore it in a braid. The hair buns in these ancient sculptures are certainly more elaborate. Fascinating stuff.
What an interesting topic to cover. Everything looks so detailed and you can tell that they really put in a lot of work into making these because they all look so nice. I’ve never really paid attention to the hairstyles so thanks for showing them.
So interesting and the sculptures are so detailed. It’s a testament to the quality that they are still intact all these years later. I guess ladies have always liked having long hair and decorating themselves. It’s interesting to see that in these cultures, the men did as well.
Interesting post. I really enjoyed reading how ancient women from India value and represent themselves long time ago. These sculptures are very awesome and it is nice that they are still intact. Thanks for sharing!
What an interesting post! I’ve always found it interesting how hair and make up is done differently in various cultures. These sculptures are a window into these unique Indian hairstyles. I especially love the one with the monkey!
These sculptures, just molded on walls, are amazing! I wish I could go to India. So much culture, a rich history. It’s just beautiful.
I have never really paid attention to the hairstyles in sculptures but now that you mention, I do see how elaborate and spectacular some of them are! Very cool sculptures and interesting hair, especially the long braids!
What an intriguing post. I do love the little monkey pulling that woman’s hair. I love how this makes us look at the sculptures in a different manner.
What an interesting challenge…capturing the hairstyles of ancient India. With both the women and men spotting long hair, there must be cultural, religious and probably beauty conventions worth exploring. Reading this makes me wonder how the styles have evolved over the years. Interesting read, though.
Hairstyle was an important part of Shringar, that can be loosely translated as a complete make-up of a woman. Your post and photos have captured the very essence of that. I loved reading this 🙂
Thanks for sharing this very informative post. It is really nice to know how women from India styled their hairs long time ago. I really love these pieces of art, the sculptures here are so stunning. I really love looking at these sculptures of long time ago.
What an interesting topic for a blot post! The ornate hair styles look beautiful. But imagine how much time it took to create them. But it does make great art!
Our concepts of beauty seem so modern, but really they’re not. Love how these sculptures have been preserved.
You should look at some of the Mauryan Terracotta figurines to see how elaborate their hair embellishments are. In sculpture, I found the best ones at Halebidu. Nice post.
Nice carvings! nice collections!!!
very interesting!
What long hair!!
Beautiful sculptures, Indrani, very interesting.
Lovely hairstyles .. But I think mine is the best 🙂 he he heh
Bikram's
Oh my goodness! I wonder how they did that without hair spray.
What beautiful long hair. And sensuous sculptures.
Hair has always been a sign of feminine beauty, and the cutting of it, is therefore a sign of women's liberation.
Sculptures delicious, delightfully sensual, I do.
Very beautiful sculptures, each tell a different story.
Wow, these are very neat pictures. It's interesting to be able to look back in time with these kinds of artifacts! Thanks so much for sharing and for visiting my blog! 🙂
Hair styling formed a very important part of a woman's make up. Ancient Indian sculptures really give great emphasis to this as well as other aspects like flowers,necklaces,arm band,waist bands,ear rings,anklets etc
My mother always had very long hair and I loved watching her style it into a bun or braids or chignon. I also remember being very small and scared when she into my room at night and her waist length hair was down – so unusual for her!
Thanks for bringing back that memory.
Some amazing styles!
beautiful takes on the theme!
A very interesting interpretation. Nice.
>Here’s mine
one can indeed get lost in hair – beautiful.
Beautiful photos and a great way to illustrate this theme meme, Indrani!
Nice hair-do.
Nice take on the prompt Indrani! I could never have thought about these! Lovely pictures!
Amazing sculptures and hairstyles! Have to admit, I'm glad I didn't live back then! Love your captures, Indrani! Fun, interesting post for the day!
Sylvia
nice carvings,
one can see how dated these must've been. ^0^
It is fascinating to see the hairstyles depicted.
Wow! They sure were elaborate. Love the sculptures.
Hugs
SueAnn
Nice sculptures..