LONDON—The exhibition “Ancient India: living traditions” at the British Museum presents a compelling exploration of religious art spanning over 2,000 years. Despite its somewhat uninspiring title, the display highlights how ancient spiritual practices continue to thrive in modern India. Featuring nearly 200 artifacts, including sculptures and objects from Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, the exhibition underscores the resilience of these faiths.
The catalog, authored by Sushma Jansari and Sureshkumar Muthukumaran, delves into the historical context of the artifacts, many loaned from institutions like the Musée Guimet in Paris and Indian museums. The exhibit traces the evolution of religious traditions, including the co-option of Buddhism’s founder as an avatar of Vishnu within Hinduism, a strategy that diluted its distinct identity.
Geographically expansive, the collection spans from Afghanistan to Southeast Asia, reflecting India’s cultural influence. A striking example is a 10th-12th century Javanese Ganesha statue, juxtaposed with a 750 A.D. sandstone figure of the deity in Uttar Pradesh. The latter, depicting Ganesha with a bowl of sweets, captures the deity’s playful yet revered nature.
The exhibition also includes a monumental Varaha sculpture, representing Vishnu’s boar incarnation rescuing the earth from a demon. Its origins in central India and connection to ancient forest-dwelling communities illustrate the region’s deep spiritual roots.
Visitors, including a South Indian couple, exhibited quiet reverence before the artworks, reflecting the enduring emotional and cultural ties between modern Hindus and their ancestral deities. The exhibit runs until October 19, 2025.