Ardhanarishvara: Androgynous Portrayal of Shiva and Parvati
The composite form of Shiva and his consort, Shakti (another name for Parvati) is known as the Ardhanarishvara or the “God who is...
Maya M. Tola 14 March 2025
#India
Lotus in Art: Timeless Symbol in Hindu Iconography
The lotus, a flower revered across many Asian cultures, holds a cherished place in Hindu art and spirituality. Found abundantly in sculptures,...
Maya M. Tola 14 March 2025
Lakshmi in Art: The Goddess of Wealth
Lakshmi is a prominent Hindu deity who is also revered by Buddhists and Jains. Her eminent position in the Hindu pantheon emanates not only from her...
Maya M. Tola 14 March 2025
The Consort of Shiva: Iconography of Parvati
Parvati is a venerated Hindu goddess generally associated with domesticity, fertility, and beauty. She is an integral member of the Tridevi, the...
Maya M. Tola 14 March 2025
Saraswati—The Beautiful Goddess of Knowledge and Art
Saraswati is the Hindu goddess of knowledge and the arts. Remarkably, in the Hindu tradition and in rituals, Saraswati occupies a more prominent role...
Maya M. Tola 14 March 2025
Holi: A Vibrant Celebration of Colors
Celebrated during the spring full moon, the Hindu festival of Holi is a joyous occasion that marks the arrival of Spring. This lively festival of...
Maya M. Tola 13 March 2025
Jahangir’s Wine Cups: Mughal Decorative Arts
The Mughal Empire stands as one of history’s most opulent periods known to nurture a rich tapestry of art and architecture that offers a...
Maya M. Tola 18 February 2025
Hanuman: The Revered Monkey God in Hindu Mythology
The revered monkey god Hanuman is one of the most iconic in Hindu mythology. He embodies unparalleled strength, unwavering devotion, and boundless...
Maya M. Tola 12 February 2025
Raja Ravi Varma: A Fine Mixture of European Realism and Indian Sensibility
Raja Ravi Varma (1848-1906) was one of the most celebrated and prominent artists from India. His works combined European realism with Indian...
Anuradha Sroha 10 February 2025
Lotus Temple and the Bahá’í Faith
The Lotus Temple is renowned for its distinctive lotus shape. A prominent Bahá’í House of Worship in New Delhi, the temple embodies...
Maya M. Tola 27 January 2025
The Qutub Complex: Architecture of the Early Islamic Period in India
The Qutub Minar complex is a collection of architectural marvels located at the Mehrauli Archaeological Park in New Delhi, India. The complex...
Maya M. Tola 20 January 2025
Miniature Paintings of the Mughal Empire
The Mughals descended from a lineage of formidable conquerors such as Genghis Khan and Amir Timur. They were themselves the most dominant force in...
Maya M. Tola 9 January 2025
