"Any thoughts on Classical Indian shield decoration?" Topic

I have a few units of Indian spearmen to paint and was wondering on how to paint the shields any thoughts most welcome.

Colours too do we know what they favoured?

I too have been painting classical Indians and I couldn't find any good shield references. Just the ones you see over and over again from the old osprey like books. I basically ended up looking at "ancient Indian art" on google and then using shapes and patterns from that. Lots of patterns of lines and dots. It also gives you an idea of how colorful the Indian army likely was.

Bison. Horses. Feathers. :)

I've always thought flowers would look great, in bright Indian colours.

I use flowers and the sun and the moon.

i.imgur.com/suVoOIo.jpg?1?6713
i.imgur.com/wwqPSVT.jpg?2?2190
From link which has a great collection of Classical and early medieval Indian sculptures with a military link.

The cross pattern could be strengthening of the shield but is shown pretty often.
Some of the much later shields have more pictoral type designs.

Thanks OB and Sm – I've some good ideas now for mine.

That first image is stunning, Pat, when does it date from?

It's from the Ajanta caves – 5th-6th century AD.

Thanks! A lovely illustration.

Very helpful thank you all.