Original: Red sandstone, Plaster replica
Original: circa 132 CE
Kankali Tila, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
Government Museum, Lucknow
Details
Culture/Civilisation
Ancient India
Theme
Writing
Subtheme
Writing and the Divine
Display Location
Coomaraswamy Hall
Findspot
Kankali Tila, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
Accession Number
J 24
Description
Script: Brahmi; Language: Prakrit
Sarasvati, Goddess of Knowledge, has a manuscript in her left hand. Her right hand probably held a rosary or lotus. Sarasvati was worshipped in all three major ancient religions of India—Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Her blessings are sought even today in schools across India and before embarking on any new learning in language, music or the arts.
The inscription states that a metal-worker donated this statue to a Jain temple.
