Exploring Indian Culture at the British Museum

Traveling abroad provides an excellent opportunity to explore diverse cultures. Prior to living in India, I had not taken the time to learn about Hinduism, Jainism, or Buddhism. Suddenly, I was surrounded by intriguing statues and symbols and a mega dose of Indian culture

In retrospect, I wish that I had taken a crash course in Indian culture and religions, read a few books, or visited an Indian exhibit at a museum. Perhaps, I would have been better prepared and my ignorance would not have been so overwhelming.

Indian based religions have multiple layers of interpretation. Many of my Indian colleagues and acquaintances struggled when they attempted to answer some of my queries. To some extent I could sympathize. If a Gentile asked me a question, my response would be dependent on many factors. I’m sure the same holds true for the average Hindu.

To this day, I remain fascinated by the wide array of gods and goddesses. The images are rich with symbolism and interpretation and a ton of Indian culture. During a recent trip to London’s British Museum, I wandered through several Indian exhibits and marveled at the wide assortment of statues. I am sharing some of my photos and abbreviated versions of the museum’s descriptions.

Durga Killing the Buffalo Demon, Eastern India, 800-900 CE

Bhrava, from Western Karnataka, Hoysala Dynasty, 12th century

• In this sculpture, one of the terrible aspects of the the god Shiva is revealed. The image has four hands that carry distinct objects- a trident, a sword, a double-ended drum and severed human heads. It also includes skeletal demons and a dog which is used as a vehicle.

Elephants and Riders- Karnataka, 13th century Hoysala Dynasty 

• This segment is assumed to be a part of a temple decoration. It looks very similar to the decorations that I saw at the Hoysala Temples in Belur and Halebeedu.

Vajrasativa, East India, 10th century CE

• The goddess sits in a double lotus position.

Garuda, 13th century

• This god is part man and part bird. It symbolizes the sun and is an enemy of snakes. The hands depict worship.

Ganesha, 13th century, India

• This is a popular Hindu deity that is considered a remover of obstacles. The five heads represent “all seeing power.” The statue has a goddess seated on its lap. She maintains the god’s essential energy.

In my haste, I failed to record a name for this piece. Can anyone identify this image? 

Ambika, the Jain Mother Goddess, India 1034 CE

• The figure is holding a book, a noose to tie off ignorance, a club to subdue evil, and a missing hand would have held a rosary representing inward knowledge.