Dancing Ganesh

Dancing Ganesh

Pala Dynasty,10th Century AD

The mouse has an ability to burrow deep into the earth. Likewise a learned and wise man can go deep into a subject. Thus, Lord Ganesh, the God of Wisdom, rides on a mouse.

Here He dances to the rhythm of time. While He holds an axe in one hand--symbol of his ability to punish and to get rid of obstacles, He holds a bowl of Ladoos--a sweet meat--symbol of his ability to give rewards for pious and good deeds.

Pala sculptures can be recognised easily as most of them are done in black stone. The Pala art travelled to Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and through there to China and Japan. Thus, it is the foundation of the sacred art of the Orient.