A large
number of sculptures representing Hindu gods and
goddesses belong to the phase of artistic activity
initiated under the Sena rulers (c 1097-1223 AD).
From the artistic point of view, Sena sculpture
is a continuation of the Pala style in vogue till
the late 11th century AD. The slender body form
of the late Pala period sculpture is retained in
the Sena period, but the modeling quality shows
a marked deterioration.
A few freestanding images of the Sena period exhibit
bold and better modeling. In this connection mention
may be made of a composite sculpture of the period
- the stone image of Apitakucha from Vikrampur,
now in the National Museum, Dhaka is noteworthy
for its superb execution. Not only the minute carving
but also the full face of the goddess with half
closed eyes, beautifully carved eyebrows, and lips
have invested the image with a serene and sublime
grace which is hardly matched in any other sculpture
of the period.
