Art binds history and divinity at this show

An ongoing show in the Capital showcases miniatures, maps and other objects that engage viewers on various themes in Indian art and history.

Where do the gods and goddesses live, and how have the Indian visual traditions captured such thoughts in a stylistic, spiritual way? Attempting to find answers to these mysteries is the ongoing exhibition, His Glory and His Monuments: On Indian Gods, Maps and Cosmography Of Indian Miniature Paintings.

An early 18th century painting, made of gouache and gold on paper of a royal couple dancing on the terrace accompanied by musicians, is some of the many works part of the exhibition titled His Glory and His Monuments.

“The exhibition has about 80 pieces, from the 14th century to the 20th century,” informs Mamta Nath, art collector and gallerist. She adds: “The idea of this show came to us about three years back, but we couldn’t do a proper show then, due to the Covid-19 restrictions. The process of piecing the show together was also quite long because we had to research on each miniature, and we also came across some fakes. What makes this show unique is the fact that one doesn’t get to see such works exhibited for the public very often.”

Divided into three sections, the exhibition aims to take the viewers through a journey of ancient and medieval India through Jain illustrated manuscripts, rare esoteric maps from the Jain and Hindu cosmological traditions, and even miniature paintings of deities that are selected mostly from Rajasthan. Kallol Roy, curator, elucidates, “The first section is devoted to folios from the Indian manuscripts, which are illustrated by people who collaborated with the scribes producing old religious texts from 13th century onwards. Much of the texts are from Jain sangrahini sutras and kalpa-sutras.”

As one moves on to the second section, dedicated to esoteric maps, it’s quite a revelation to view some authentic pieces from the 18th and 19th centuries. Roy shares that these are largely the maps of Jambudweep or the Mount Meru. “Sirohi Mandala, which is related to the Bhagvad Gita, could be called the pièce de résistance of the show. It’s a map that is part of the Hindu tradition of mapmaking. Strictly speaking, in the Hindu tradition of producing religious manuscripts, specimens of maps have been few and far in between,” he adds.

But it is in the third section — on Indian gods and goddesses in their quaintly domesticated settings — that one can experience mysticism at its best through the art on display. “The artists have a way of making the deities as part of an everyday ritual, and the miniatures reflect that tradition,” informs Roy.

Catch It Live

What: His Glory and His Monuments

Where: The Lexicon Art, M-12, Outer Circle, Connaught Place

On till: April 12

Timing: 11am to 7pm

Nearest Metro Station: Rajiv Chowk on Blue and Yellow Lines

Author tweets @siddhijainn

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