“Be it earth and its vast expanse or the endless space or the water in the river, lake or ocean, the medicinal herbs and the vegetation, the god of universe and the Brahma (the creator of universe), let there be peace everywhere………… Rigveda KEY THEME The bountiful nature Indian art in many senses is the reflection of Indian philosophy. This exhibition, designed for gallery no. 3 is woven around one such thought which echo the concern of our ancestors for the conservation of nature. The theme is reflected very frequently in Indian literature and Art. Nature in Indian context is always viewed as a part of divinity and revered. The thought is very well reflected in one of the prayers in Rigveda which consists of oldest layers of Sanskrit literature in ancient India. The sage pray thus: “Be it earth and its vast expanse or the endless space or the water in the river, lake or ocean, the medicinal herbs and the vegetation, the god of universe and the Brahma (the creator of universe) let there be peace everywhere…………” Today when the whole world is concern about the disastrous environmental situation mainly caused by the human negligence its right time to peep into the past and reevaluate the values that our ancient thinkers have enforced to make this world a better place to live. Selection of the objects The object selected for the exhibition represents the three vital elements – space, earth and water. Surya, the Sun god, 11th century, Eastern India Ht:1295 csm The river goddess Ganga Sand stone, North India, 10th century A.D. The Churning of the Ocean, Tanjavur, 1820 A.D., Company Govardhanadhari – The blue god Krishna lifting school painting the mount Govardhana, Bikaner, 17th century The Churning of the Ocean, Tanjavur, 1820 A.D., Company school, Registration no. 2007,3005.7 This remarkable painting shows the Samudramanthana or the churning of the ocean, episode described in Puranas, and epic like Ramayana and Mahabharata. The story narrates the legend of the creation . According to the story, to acquire nectar (drink of immortality) and the precious 14 jewels, god Vishnu suggested to the gods and the devils to churn the ocean by making Mandara mountain a churning tool and Vasuki the king of serpent as the churning rope. As a result of this churning god succeeds to acquire nectar and the jewels which eventually relates to the most important and valuable assets for human beings. The 14 jewels Fourteen precious objects which emerged from the depths of the sea (they vary according to the texts) were: the horse Uchchaihshravas (symbol of sovereignty), the white elephant Airavata (symbol of royalty), a throne (symbol of kingship and power), the fire (symbol of life), the Tulsi plant (probably the representation of physician Dhanvantari), a chariot, the goddess Lakshmi (the goddess of abundance) Parijata tree (divine tree), Surabhi (cow), Soma (intoxicating juice of sacred plant), Varuna (the sea god), precious stones, the tree of life (kalpavriksha), the divine damsels and Alakshmi, goddess of misfortune. Kalpavriksha – Tree of life The last book of Rigveda (ancient Indian text) gives information of plants with special reference to their healing property as also the boon giving plant. Generally they are depicted as Banyan and fig tree and known as kalapavriksha Kalpavriksha. Tree in railing Tulasi plant “Have a look at these trees that live only for the There is a very interesting welfare of others… they fulfill the desires of others by quotation in the Bhagavata there leaves, flowers, fruits, shade, roots, bark, wood Purana ( around 10th century fragrance, gum, ashes, coal and tender leaves.“ A.D.) about the importance of (Bhagavata Purana X 22.30-35) trees and its boon giving properties. In the 10th canto of Being an agrarian society religious thinkers made it a this text, Krishna the blue God religious duty to plant and protect trees and forest. while explaining the importance This idea is expressed in various literature and many of of trees to his friends says: them prescribed punishment for destroying a tree. Govardhanadhari – The blue god Krishna lifting the mount Govardhana, Bikaner, 17th century Painting depicts the blue god Krishna lifting the mount Govardhana and giving shelter to the people and their cattle from the torrential rain caused by Indra the vedic rain god. Through this episode Krishna is explaining the importance of mount Govardhana to the villagers who use to worship God Indra for timely monsoon. He is making them realize that it is not Indra but the forest on the mount Govardhana that attracts rain and therefore people should worship trees and forest and protect them. According to the story after knowing Krishna’s explanation enraged Indra tried to shower torrential rain at the village Brij but the blue god with his super human powers gave shelter to the villagers by lifting the mount Govardhana on his small finger. On the top right, defeated Indra is returning back to his abode. People still celebrate the festival of the worship of mount Govardhana. River Goddess Ganga Water which is one of the vital elements of life was equally important . The great rivers of India are charged with a divine entity. Most of the rivers are worshipped and beautiful prayer are sung to glorify there importance. The river goddess Ganga th Sand stone, North India, 10 century A.D. The continuing tradition………….. Sun God Vedic thought of nature worship was further strengthen by the religious support and various gods and goddess came to be associated with natural forces. Sun the source of life giving energy is one such god worshipped in India since Vedic period. Chhat is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to sun worship. The worship is perform in order to thank the Sun for sustaining life on earth. Surya, the sun god, 11th century, Eastern India Ht:1295 csm Display The two sculptures (Ganga and Surya) will be displayed in the center of the room around a circle represent continuity. On the ground water waves can be created by light effects or by using acrylic. This will also keep visitors away from the objects. The first level of text can be accommodated near the images and the second level of text will go on the left side walls. The concept of three main division, su space earth and water should be brought in the display. Miniature paintings will be displayed at the end in a table case. The background can be converted into a forest grove on the description given in the Buddhist text. This can be created with cut-outs of trees, animals and artificially created pond with sound effects of chirping of birds. This could also be achieved by visual effects. The additional text material will go on both the side walls discriminated by different title of the Exhibition Suspending from the ceiling Activity corner colour bands connecting to the table case. co rner •The space outside can be utilize for putting banner or poster showing the title and theme of the exhibition. The place can also be used for some educational activities. •The audio – video clip will be played near the object. Reference – National Museum Cardiff And Horniman Museum •A short cartoon film about the current •In the activity area puppet shows conservation related issues will be shown Can be organized on the related subject. on the right hand side wall. Reference – Roman Legion Museum •A character can be introduced in the form of a tree. Sometime he will move in the gallery and sometime he will stand still and suddenly shake hand with the visitors specially children. If budget Allows he can carry some save tree/earth batches To be given to the visitors. Reference – street shows Educational programmes •Outside the gallery a small nursery of plant can be created with a board ‘adopt a plant’. People can take away a plant and will be requested to report about the development of plant adopted by them at the end of the exhibition. Many programmes can be designed around the theme ‘protect our environment’. Topics such as less power consumption, recycling of products, endangered animal species, save water, keep the reservoir clean, water harvesting, importance of plant and so on can be dealt in an interesting manner. An award can be given to those children who are sensitive towards ecological problems and doing some substantial work to tackle this problem. •There are various Indian festivals related to the nature worship such as Vasantotsava (festival in celebration of spring, celebrated in Ancient India), Teej, Vata Savitri (worship of Banyan tree for the long life of husband), worship of river Ganga, Gopashtami (worship of cattle), Govardhana pooja (worship of mount Govardhana) and so on. Some of these festivals can be celebrated in the Museum or an audio – visual presentation can be shown inside the gallery . •Gallery trails like find out a particular tree or a nature god in the other galleries can be prepared. •Museum staff can also take part in the plant a tree activity inside the Museum premises. Exhibition will get over within three months but tree planted by them will remain forever. •A small publication about the details of literary references and other examples of nature worship can be prepared. Gallery talks and special lecture on the subject can be arranged. Month of Savana (Rainy Season - July- August) Folio from Baramasa (12 month of the year) set. Bundi School, 1675-1700 A.D. Fair and festival are an important part of Indian life. There are many vratas (observations) and festivals related to natural forces. Teej is one of them. The painting depicts the lush green foliage of the monsoon season and the festival of Teej, celebrated in India during this season.