Ancient Relief of Gandarans Tribute Bearers With Lotus Border Persepolis Apadana FG240

Gandarans and Arachosians

The people below are probably Gandarans, or, alternatively, Gandarans and Sattagydians – the problem is that the location of Sattagydia (“land of hundred cows”) is unclear. However, they certainly lived in the far east, near the Gandarans, who lived in the valley of the river Cophen.

Their tribute consists of a buffalo, five lances, and a shield. These weapons are probably just ornamental, because the real power of the armies of the Punjab was the archery. The people are dressed in short, armless tunics and capes.

The Arachosians (and Drangians?) lived in the valleys of the rivers Helmand and Tarnak in southern Afghanistan, which means that they were separated from the Bactrians (above) by the Hindu Kush mountains – high but not a real barrier. They may have been ethnically identical, which may or may not explain their similar trousers and earrings. Like the Bactrians, the Arachosians have no turban but a wreath. Notice the tassel. Their presents are identical to those of the Bactrians: a camel, two deep and two shallow bowls.

Persepolis, Apadana, East Stairs, Southern part, Gandarans

Persepolis, Apadana, East Stairs, Gandaran with a buffalo

Persepolis, Apadana, East Stairs, Southern part, Arachosians

Persepolis, Apadana, East Stairs, Arachosian

This is one of the 23 delegations (satrapies) shown bringing offerings to the King during the New Year (Nou Rutz) festival.
The bas relief of each delegation provides valuable insight into the clothes and gifts from each region at that time.

The Zarangians (Drangians) of Sistan are shown 3rd from the left on the oblique (slanting) tier of the Apadana stairway.
The Zarangians lived in the region around lake Hâmûn, on the Irano-Afghan-Pakistan border.

They are represented by 4 members, and bring a gift of a bull, a lance and a shield.
These delegates have also been identified as Carians(from South West Turkey).

The original bas relief is shown in one of the photographs (with low tonal range due to the shade).