The Mathura Herakles is a famous statue found in the city of Mathura, India, thought to represent the Greek hero Heracles fighting the Nemean lion. Mathura was one of the easternmost settlements under Indo-Greek rule. Hellenistic influence was prevalent in the culture of Mathura, with other elements of Greek mythology, such as mythical creatures including anguipeds and sphinxes, being featured prominently in Mathura's art.
Differences from Mainstream Heracles Myths[]
The male is wearing lion's skin, the legs of which are tied around his neck, which has been interpreted as proof that the foreign artist lacked full knowledge of the Greek mythology, because he is shown already wearing the skin of the lion he is fighting. It may also be connected to the cult of Vasudeva, who is thought to have been corresponded to the legend of Herakles.