Stone
circa 1-100 CE
India, Uttar Pradesh
Government Museum, Mathura
Details
Theme
Empire: Projecting Power
Subtheme
Do Empires Need Wars?
Case Title
Preparing for war
Display Location
Coomaraswamy Hall
Findspot
Kankali Tila, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
Measurements
76.2 cm
Description
Kartikeya, Hindu god of war, commanded the army of the devas (gods). Without armour but bejewelled, he holds a spear symbolising mastery in martial arts. His right hand, raised in abhaya mudra grants protection and safety.
Across India, he is worshipped under various names, including Skanda, Murugan, and Subramanyam.
