Richard Mann, Parthian and Hellenistic Influences on the Development of Skanda’s Cult in North India: Evidence from Kusana-Era Art and Coins
Animal-headed Matr with Skanda
from Mathura.
This paper argues that the origins of the Hindu deity Skanda in north India
can be traced to Graha and Matr cults. This argument is supported through
an examination of statuary from Mathura, coinage, and early textual accounts
of the deity. The later characterization of Skanda as the general of the
army of the gods comes about, at least in part, through Kushana and Saka
attempts to assimilate the deity. Here the evidence is drawn from Gandharan
art, Kushana and Yaudheya coinage, and textual references.
