Important Notice

Central India, Late 10th Century CE
Sandstone
Height: 11 in (27.9 cm)
Width: 12.5 in (31.8 cm)

REGISTERED ANTIQUITY-NON-EXPORTABLE

Provenance: Property of an Important Collector, Allahabad


In Hindu iconography, Ganga, the river goddess, is a highly revered deity, and has been a favourite subject for sculptors and painters. Her form has been incorporated in the architecture of temples, showing her flanking the entrance along with Yamuna. The current lot shows Ganga at the left of the frieze in a tribhanga pose, which is widely popular in Hindu iconography. In the tribhanga pose, the body must be curved at the hip and the knee, and the head must be tilted slightly. Ganga's pose borrows from this concept of sensuality, and here she is seen holding a pot of water. By her side, an attendant holding a chowri appears to be fanning Ganga, while Lord Shiva stands holding a staff and inverted skull.

For a discussion on this type of iconography, refer to Dr. Pratapaditya Pal, Indian Sculpture Vol. II, Los Angeles County Museum, pgs. 116 -118

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