Mathura: Part of architrave from gateway (torana) of a Stupa, red sandstone, about 2nd Century A.D.

Other evidence pointing to the degree to which Mathuran sculptors were indebted to Persian art is found in the architrave sculpture from the stupas of Mathura where a special feature of winged animals appears, These creatures are peculiar to the regional art of Mathura and appear in conjunction with capital decorations as well, The significance of these strange animals is not clear, even though similar beasts: minus wings: appear in earlier Indian motifs where they have specific reference to certain gods or even the Buddha, The style of the carving is related to earlier examples in that it is in very low relief (making it closer to wood prototpyes), The red sandstone used for the relief is a typical feature of the Mathuran region where the stone was found in abundance, -- London, Victoria & Albert Museum