Ancient Echoes, Living Faiths
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British Museum Unites Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism Through Shared Devotional Art.
A compelling new exhibition at the British Museum explores the deep-rooted connections among three of India’s major religions—Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism—through the lens of devotional art. Titled Ancient India: Living Traditions, the show uncovers a rich tapestry of shared symbols and spiritual heritage that challenges the common perception of these faiths as entirely separate entities.
“These objects are not just historical; they’re part of everyday life,” explains Sushma Jansari, the exhibition’s curator. With nearly two billion followers across the globe, these three religions are shown to have evolved from a common cultural foundation, even as they branched into diverse spiritual philosophies over the centuries. “This exhibition is about our collective cultural heritage,” Jansari adds.
While today these religions are practiced distinctly, they share ancient origins rooted in early Indian texts and nature-based spirituality. Hinduism remains the most widely practiced of the three, representing around 80% of India’s population. Buddhism, which spread across Asia, counts around 500 million adherents worldwide, and Jainism is followed by roughly six million people, mainly in India.
Jansari believes that devotional art vividly illustrates the intertwined histories of these faiths. Many of the deities and icons depicted in the exhibition trace their origins to early nature spirits revered across the Indian subcontinent. “Everything begins with the nature spirits,” she says, referencing the Yakshas—mythical beings believed to govern fertility and prosperity.
One such enduring figure is Laksmī, the goddess of fortune and fertility, revered by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains alike. Her imagery stems from the ancient Yaksha tradition, evident in one of the exhibition’s most striking artefacts: a second-century BC carving of Gaja-Laksmī (Elephant-Laksmī) from a cave in Maharashtra. This iconic representation reappears almost unchanged in an 18th-century Rajasthani painting, showcasing the continuity of religious symbolism over more than a millennium. “These images speak of abundance, fertility, and prosperity—and have stayed relevant through time,” says Jansari.
The exhibition bridges not only religions, but also time and geography. By juxtaposing artefacts from different centuries and regions, it underscores the enduring nature of these visual traditions, which remain woven into rituals and cultural practices today.
Reckoning with the Past
No exhibition of this scope can ignore the complexities of colonial history, especially when hosted by a British institution. The British Museum’s role in the collection and preservation of South Asian artefacts naturally brings up questions of provenance, ownership, and restitution.
Jansari acknowledges this nuance: “It is not a simple issue. Every object in this exhibition has a provenance label. Transparency is vital.” She also emphasizes that many pieces were removed during turbulent periods—not always by colonial powers. One example is the Amarāvati Stupa, an early Buddhist monument from the third century BC, which was partially destroyed in the 18th century by a local governor. Subsequent excavations by British colonial officers led to its fragmented distribution across museums in both India and the UK.
The curatorial team has also brought forward lesser-known histories of South Asian donors and collectors who helped shape the museum’s holdings. Kajal Meghani, project curator, identified over 150 individuals of South Asian origin who have contributed to the collection. This revelation offers a more layered perspective of the museum’s past and its evolving identity. “It challenges the traditional idea of the ‘British’ Museum and broadens our understanding of how these collections came together,” Jansari notes.
A Family Experience Rooted in Culture
At its heart, the exhibition is about connection—between traditions, between people, and across time. It’s designed to appeal to a wide and diverse audience, beyond scholars or the South Asian diaspora. “Devotional art is the focus, but understanding it requires some insight into the religions themselves,” Jansari explains. “We’ve created a vibrant, colorful space that’s welcoming to multigenerational families and visitors from all backgrounds.”
Ancient India: Living Traditions is on view at the British Museum in London from May 22 to October 19. Through a thoughtfully curated blend of artefacts, stories, and historical context, the exhibition invites viewers to rediscover the deep, shared spiritual roots that continue to shape Indian life and identity today.
