A remarkable new exhibition titled "Ancient India: Living Traditions" opened at the British Museum in London, spotlighting the rich history of India's spiritual art through 189 meticulously selected objects. Ranging from 2,000-year-old sculptures to detailed manuscripts, the exhibition invites visitors to traverse the evolution of spiritual expression within the Indian subcontinent.
The transformation of art throughout this period, specifically from 200 BC to AD 600, is striking. The portrayal of deities across the three major religions – Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism – shifted from symbolic depictions to human forms, profoundly reshaping artistic representation. "Today we can't imagine the veneration of Hindu, Jain, or Buddhist divine spirits without human imagery, which is key to this transition," explains Sushma Jansari, the exhibition's curator.
Divided into five sections, the exhibition begins with the portrayal of nature spirits and progresses through distinct subsections for each religion before concluding with the global spread of these faiths and their art. A centerpiece of the Buddhist section is a sandstone panel illustrating the evolution of the Buddha, depicting the transition from symbolic representations to human form, underscoring the significance of this artistic shift.
Another exhibit includes an ancient bronze statue from the Hindu tradition, showcasing the depiction of goddesses, blending characteristics of both yakshis—spirits of abundance—and the later representations of divine feminine figures. Jain religious art, focusing on the tirthankaras or enlightened teachers, is also prominently featured, displaying intricate carvings from centuries past.
The exhibition is particularly distinguished as the first of its kind to examine the artistic traditions of these three religions concurrently, rather than separately. With pieces on loan from 37 museums nationwide and globally, it emphasizes the connections and shared origins of Indian spiritual art.
Visitors are also treated to a multi-sensory experience, enriched with atmospheric elements such as scents, colors, and nature sounds that evoke the serenity of Indian religious spaces. This immersive approach not only highlights the ancient but emphasizes the living tradition of these practices today, as demonstrated through films of current worshippers.
Running from May 22 to October 19 at the British Museum, "Ancient India: Living Traditions" celebrates not just the artistry of the past, but its ongoing relevance for millions around the world.
