Hindu Gods in Sculpture

Hindu Gods in Sculpture

Hindu sculpture is built around precise iconographic systems. A deity is identified through attributes, number of arms or heads, posture, crown, vehicle (vahana), attendant figures and narrative context rather than by a generic idea of “Indian gods”. This collection brings together images of Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesha, Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Hanuman, Parvati, Kali, Kartikeya, Nandi and other Hindu figures from India, Nepal and Southeast Asia.

Iconography comes first

Ganesha’s elephant head and mouse, Vishnu’s chakra and conch, Shiva’s trident or Nataraja form, and Hanuman’s simian body and connection with Rama are examples of features that establish identity. Composite and regional forms require closer reading: Harihara combines Shiva and Vishnu, Ardhanarishvara unites Shiva and Parvati, while local traditions can alter attributes and pose.

Material and regional attribution

The collection includes bronze, wood and stone sculpture made in different workshop traditions. A South Indian bronze, a Nepalese gilt-copper figure and a Javanese or Khmer stone image may depict related deities while differing completely in manufacture and historical context. Casting, carving, pedestal, ornament, surface and documented provenance are therefore considered separately from religious identity.

For a detailed reference framework, read our Hindu Gods in Sculpture guide. You can also browse dedicated Ganesha and Shiva collections.