 Numerous sphinxes can be seen on the gateways of Bharhut stupa, dating to the 1st century B.C.In South India, the "sphinx" is known as "purushamriga" (Sanskrit) or "purushamirugam " (Tamil), meaning "human-beast".It is found depicted in sculptural art in temples and palaces where it serves an apotropaic purpose, just as the "sphinxes" in other parts of the ancient world.