St. Cosmas or St. Damian (?)
ca. 1470
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St. Cosmas or St. Damian (?)
ca. 1470
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Head of a Youth
ca. 1150–75
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The stone carving tradition in India is one of the richest in the world. Stone carving is an ancient activity where pieces of rough natural stone are shaped by the controlled removal of stone. Art of Stone Statues and Collectibles is the poetic expression of stone craft. Sculptures of Hindu deities, modelled on classical prototypes, continue to be made in many parts of India. In Tamil Nadu such sculptures are made in granite. In Karnataka, exquisite figures carved in relief in black stone, with details engraved in fine lines, come out in greyish- white against the black surface. Softer stones are used in Orissa, which are easy to carve. The fully carved jali-worked, in Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, are most intricately done. The artisans in Gujarat are engaged in the art of cutting and polishing semi-precious stones. One can see the life like images being skilfully sculptured in different varieties of stone across the state. In Jaipur, white marble is used for carving out statues of gods and
Krishna is a deity worshiped across many traditions in Hinduism in a variety of perspectives. While many Vaishnava groups recognize him as an avatar of Vishnu, other traditions within Krishnaism consider Krishna to be svayam bhagavan, or the supreme being. Krishna is often depicted as an infant, as a young boy playing a flute as in the Bhagavata Purana or as a youthful prince giving direction and guidance as in the Bhagavad Gita. The stories of Krishna appear across a broad spectrum of Hindu philosophical and theological traditions. They portray him in various roles: a god-child, a prankster, a model lover, a divine hero and the Supreme Being. The principal scriptures discussing Krishna's legends are the Mahabharata, the Harivamsa, the Bhagavata Purana and the Vishnu Purana.
Hindu God Ganesha has been represented with the head of an elephant since the early stages of his appearance in Indian art. Ganapati or Ganesha, the Lord of Ganas, the elephant faced God, represents the power of the Supreme Being that removes obstacles and ensures success in human endeavors. He is worshipped for siddhi, success in undertakings, and buddhi, intelligence. He is worshipped before any venture is started. He is also the God of education, knowledge and wisdom, literature, and the fine arts.