REVIEW: Ancient India: living traditions

Ancient India: living traditions offers a compelling exploration of faith, artistry, and continuity, tracing the origins of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism through two millennia of sacred art. The exhibition unites over 180 objects — from 2,000-year-old sculptures to illuminated manuscripts — to examine how symbolic forms evolved into the human depictions that define these religions today.

The curatorial approach is both scholarly and empathetic, revealing how early spiritual practices continue to shape living traditions across South Asia and its global diaspora. The display of a 1,000-year-old statue of Ganesha, still marked with traces of pink pigment from past worship, captures the exhibition’s essence: art as a living vessel of devotion and history.

While the exhibition is rich in material and interpretation, its density at times risks overwhelming the viewer. Certain sections could benefit from greater focus or space for reflection, as the narrative moves swiftly across vast geographies and centuries. Nevertheless, the overall effect is deeply engaging, with a clear through-line connecting the ancient to the contemporary.

The design — created with input from practising Buddhists, Hindus, and Jains — is both thoughtful and inclusive. The use of eco-friendly and vegan materials demonstrates an ethical sensitivity that extends beyond aesthetics, underscoring the Museum’s intent to honour sacred art with care and respect.

In conclusion, Ancient India: living traditions is a quietly powerful exhibition that bridges art, faith, and history with remarkable grace. Its blend of scholarship and sensitivity offers visitors not just a visual journey through ancient India, but an emotional one — a meditation on continuity, belief, and the enduring power of the divine in everyday life.

On until 19th October, get your tickets here: https://www.britishmuseum.org/exhibitions/ancient-india-living-traditions

WRITTEN BY: NURA AROOJ

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