Taking the Gods Home

Taking the Gods Home

In the late 19th century, lithographic presses in India started to print images of the Hindu deities. These devotional lithographs, often called calendar art because they were sold with tear off paper calendars, were inexpensive and sold throughout India. The gods became widely recognisable, with certain scenes and poses becoming standards across the country. Ravi Varma was a key figure in the development of lithographs in India. This exhibition pairs lithographic prints, many by Ravi Varma, with Bommai figures from Southern India. Like the lithographs, these figures were mass produced and used in household puja.

Current Exhibitions