Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati

Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati

Post-Gupta period, 6th Century AD.

The Gupta period is considered the 'golden period' of India. In the fine arts it achieved its zenith. It created an art of simplicity, harmony and tranquillity where the figures were detached, serene, and inward looking. They were simply dressed, but exuded noble souls. The iconography created during this period, set the standard for art of Asia.

Here we see Lord Shiva sitting with his wife, Goddess Parvati on Nandi, the bull. Curiously, Goddess Parvati sits on a cushion even while she is mounted on the bull ! Lord Shiva, known for his meditation and detachment, has been transformed into a loving husband, for he gently embrasses Goddess Parvati. The mind and the matter sit aloft the wild untamed Nature keeping it under control.

A Drumer

 A Drumer

 
Post-Gupta period,8th Century  AD, Kota  Museum

            One of the rarest sculptures of the Kota Museum. In Rajasthan  we don't  have too much of post-Gupta period art. This is a rare example of that period. Secondly, the sculpture  sits  in a horse-shoe window--a part of Gupta architecture. Thirdly, notice the  two dragon-like 'Makars' on both the sides of the Drumer. They seem to be a motif from Chinese art. Fourthly, is the sculpture  a depiction  of a Gandharva--a heavenly muscian, or of a mere mortal who is a muscian?  Has the artist elevated  an ordinary  muscian  to the status of a Gandharva? Fifthly, does the muscian  symbolise the gaiety  of life amongst troubles and difficulties--the two 'Makars' on the sides? It is an enigmatic  piece of art.