Wheel of a Toy Cart
Title: Wheel of a Toy Cart
Period/Date: 2nd century CE
Dynasty/Style: Satavahana dynasty
Provenance: Surface Find, Battuvarigudem, Halia Mandal, Nalgonda Dist, Telangana
Medium: Terracotta
Dimensions: Di 52 x Th 15 (mm)
Weight: –
Credit Line: Dr. E. Sivanagireddy
Accession Number: PIF/00CM48
The Satavahana dynasty, which governed the Deccan in the early centuries CE, presided over a flourishing period for terracotta art. Characterized by unique themes, forms, and styles, this art’s unprecedented expansion was largely due to strong local demand and active maritime trade.
This terracotta wheel from the Satavahana era is a stellar example of baked clay craftsmanship. Likely part of a toy cart or children’s plaything, it has a central axle hole and subtle radial spokes—hallmarks of Satavahana town workshops in the Deccan.
