Important Notice

Pala, Bengal, 10th Century CE
Stone
Height: 23 in (58.4 cm)
Width: 11 in (27.9 cm)

REGISTERED ANTIQUITY-NON-EXPORTABLE

Provenance: An Important Private Collection, Mumbai


This stone represents Brahmini, the female aspect of Brahma, who makes an appearance in Hindu and Buddhist sculpture. This iconography can be traced back to the Devi Sukta in the Rig Veda ( Rg.X.125), where she is referred to as Vac (word or speech). It describes her as the Divine Energy inherent in gods, men and animals. This hymn assumes importance in the Shakta tradition (a denomination of Hinduism), and rituals of the Epic and Puranik periods. Brahmini is one of the Saptamatrikas, or seven holy mothers, who are usually depicted in groups of seven or nine. Individual depictions of the matrikas are unusual. In addition, such early sculptures from the Pala Dynasty which are in excellent condition are difficult to find, making the lot on offer a highly coveted work of art.

Gracefully poised on a lotus in the Lalitasana pose, with one leg folded up and the other dangling, Brahmani is seen here with four heads (one at the back), each facing a cardinal direction. Her hair is tied up in knots, forming an elegant crown - a jata mukuta. In two of her hands, she holds Brahma's attributes. In one of her right hands, she holds a rosary, and her fingers assume a graceful mudra. Her left hand rests lightly on her knee, beckoning devotees to pray to her. By her feet are her vahana, or sacred vehicle-the Swan, and a devotee. The proportions are intended to invoke a sense of awe in the beholder and magnify the respect and devotion they may feel towards the goddess. Numerous ornaments adorn her neck, one being a yajnopavita, or sacred thread; the sculptor has carved every single detail with a lot of care.

One may also frequently encounter depictions of this matrika in Chola art.

Jitendra Nath Banerjea, Development of Hindu Iconography (2nd edition), Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, 1956, pg. 34

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