A History of the World in 100 Objects
Statue of Tara
Jun 17, 2010
Learn about the significance of a bronze statue of Tara, a Buddhist divinity, from Sri Lanka. Discover the symbolism and craftsmanship behind the statue, as well as the cultural exchange between Buddhism and Hinduism in South India and Sri Lanka during the medieval period.
14:03
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Quick takeaways
- The bronze statue of Tara from Sri Lanka provides insight into the wealth and trade connections of South Asia during the medieval period.
- The sculpture of Tara exemplifies the constant exchange and dialogue between Buddhism and Hinduism, reflecting historical connections and conflicts between different regions and belief systems.
Deep dives
The Statue of Tara: A Symbol of Compassion and Salvation
The podcast discusses a bronze statue of Tara, a Buddhist Bodhisattva, dating back to the 8th or 9th century from Sri Lanka. The statue represents the power of a Buddha to save individuals and embodies compassion and the ability to grant wishes. Despite being seen as dangerously erotic and controversial when it arrived at the British Museum in the 1830s, Tara is a religious being and not made for titillation. The statue provides insight into the world of Sri Lanka and South Asia during that time, with trade connections to neighboring kingdoms, the Abbasid Empire, Indonesia, and Tang China. Tara's beauty, technical perfection, and expensive materials reflect the enormous wealth of those who commissioned her.
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