Sculpture
 8 Nov 2012 Sculpture
Shiva Nataraja - 11th century

Shiva is depicted here as Nataraja (Lord of the Dance), standing in a ring of fire in the anandatandava position. He is both the creator and destroyer of the world. He is standing on a dwarf, symbolising ignorance. Richly decorated bronze statues of Hindu gods lik... Read More
 3 Nov 2012 Sculpture
Sandstone stele depicting Matsya

From central India, 9th century AD

The first incarnation of Vishnu

The Hindu god Vishnu fulfils the role of a preserver and maintainer of order in the universe. His followers believe that in times of spiritual and political decline, Vishnu descends on the... Read More
 27 Oct 2012 Sculpture
Relief portrait bust of Shahjahan
Mughal India, second quarter of the 17th century
Alabaster with remains of gilding and polychromy
Amsterdam, Rijksmuseum

The Mughal empire encompassed large parts of the Indian sub-continent (India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh) from 1526 to the mid-ni... Read More