Visiting ‘Ancient India: Living Traditions’ at The Sainsbury Exhibitions Gallery in the British Museum, as UK’s first ever British South Asian exhibition, has been a true and pleasant revelation.
With community contributions to inception of three faiths (Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism) - the exhibition through its over 180 objects, including 2000-year-old sculptures, paintings, manuscripts, drawings, opens to share similarities between the three religions from 200 BC and onwards – how they evolved and affected the lives of the strong diaspora settled globally.
It also explores the origin or representations of Gods from nature spirits, animal- headed deities to divine serpents to various forms such as idols, Arhats, Bodhisattvas or Tirthankaras.
The eloquent curator and historian Dr Sushma Jansari (interviewed in AV issue 31 May-6 June 2025, Page 16) has used British museum collections, loans from other museums in the UK, as well as from Indian cities viz. Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai among others, the diaspora donation, and private collectors across the world - to create this mystical atmosphere enhanced with dim lights, drapes, colours and sounds, that transport you to a rich landscape of ancient India, with lush green agricultural lands, huge perennial rivers and dense forests with flora and fauna.
People then mostly lived in rural communities and worshipped powerful natural spirits to be blessed with abundance. But they also feared that failing to appease these spirits through offerings, may lead to punishments.
Co-existing with nature
Jansari on a tour of the exhibition, explained how people lived in villages, in mainly agricultural settings, co-existing with powerful natural spirits (yakshas and yakshis), sacred and many headed animals (such as five headed snake). They worshipped and believed these spirits or animals would bless them with success of good harvests, wealth, fertility and protection. They were believed to be so powerful that they were incorporated in all three religions and seen in monumental stone sculptures and small terracotta figures.
Visitors, at the very entrance of the exhibition can see a striking statue of Lord Ganesha, symbolising wisdom and new beginnings. If you look closely at the edges of this 1000-year-old statue, you will find traces of pink pigment (something like vermillion), proving as evidence of years of worship. Lord Ganesha’s appearance, including the hooded cobra rising above his shoulder, is the proof of the influence of nature spirits in the lives of people.
In fact, a key highlight in this exhibition is the evolution of Buddha- a transformation from symbolic representation to the human form, as we know him today. But in contrast, images of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, associated with wealth and good fortune, have remained almost the same for over two millennia.
Between 200 BC and 600 AD, Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain sculptures were produced in the same workshops in artistic and religious centres such as the ancient city of Mathura, India, meaning there are many similarities in this religious art. Great temples and shrines across the subcontinent were cosmopolitan hubs, drawing pilgrims from across Asia and the Mediterranean, and spreading these ancient religions and their art across the world.
Involvement of the diaspora
The biggest strength of this exhibition is the involvement of the South Asian community settled in the UK. Many sculptures however have been accidentally destroyed during extraction by local workmen or during the colonial rule.
Jansari explained how people from different faiths were consulted in the complex collection of historical data and in learning how to treat all the objects appropriately as per the culture in this exhibition. She explained, “It has been both a pleasure and an honour to work closely with our community partners on this vibrant and exciting exhibition. The show explores the origins of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist art in the nature spirits of ancient India, through exceptional sculptures and other works of art. We also bring the story into the present: with almost two billion followers of these faiths globally, these sacred images hold deep contemporary relevance and resonance.”
They have also used eco-friendly, recyclable, vegan products in line with the principle of ahimsa or non-violence to keep the exhibition cultural appropriate.
A must visit for the community, the exhibition is on till October 2025.
Nicholas Cullinan, Director of the British Museum, commented, “India's sacred art has had a profound impact on its own cultural landscape and the broader global context. By bringing together centuries of devotional imagery and collaborating closely with our community partners, we not only celebrate the legacy of these faiths, but also recognise the ongoing influence of South Asian traditions here in the UK & worldwide. This exhibition is a testament to the vibrancy, resilience, and continued relevance of these living traditions.”
Krishna Omkar, a visitor from the community, said: “It was wonderful to see Ancient Indian traditions take centre stage at the British Museum. Often the focus in cultural curation like this is on medieval, Mughal, or colonial history, and Ancient South Asia has been long overdue its spotlight. The content-rich exhibition is beautifully contextualised and linked to continuing spiritual practice. It is spine-tingling to stand in front of nearly 3,000-year-old objects and immediately recognise their incarnation in today’s living traditions. The sensitivity of curation, from a community advisory board to avoiding the use of animal-based products and glues in the display materials, is remarkable.”
Another visitor, Aekta Mahajan said: The India exhibition was great. I loved how they showed Hinduism, Buddhist and Jainism in one exhibition. Showing their similarities and highlighting their historical significance in India. The concept is beautifully delivered, and you feel like you have stepped into India for a short while. They even had a gift shop dedicated to various Indian crafts, food items and scents. Absolutely loved it.”
