Rare Sculpture From Telangana Finds Place Global Antiquity Exhibition

Hyderabad: Hariti, a rare fourth-century limestone sculpture from the Telangana State Museum, was among the exhibits at the international antiquities exhibition “One Mother, Many Mother Tongues”, recently held at the Humayun’s Tomb Museum in New Delhi.

Originally discovered at Takkellapadu near Jaggayyapeta in Krishna district, the sculpture depicts a seated female holding a child across her lap.

In Buddhist tradition, Hariti is associated with a story of transformation. Initially portrayed as a child-abducting figure, she was converted by Buddha and subsequently became a guardian and protector of children. She later emerged as a maternal deity in Buddhist art, symbolising fertility, protection, well-being and maternal care.

Centred on the theme of motherhood, the exhibition brought together artistic representations of the mother-and-child motif from India and the Mediterranean world, developed across different periods, regions and religious traditions.

The Hariti sculpture was displayed in a comparative cultural setting alongside representations including Mater Matuta of ancient Italy and the Madonna and Child tradition of the Italian Renaissance.

Following the conclusion of the Delhi exhibition, the exhibits are being prepared for an extended showcase at the National Gallery of Modern Art in Bengaluru from August 20 to September 20.

Heritage department director Prof. Arjun Rao said, "The participation of an important sculpture from the Telangana State Museum provides us a valuable platform for showcasing the rich archaeological and artistic heritage

preserved by the Department to wider audiences".