Akota Bronzes, Bronze sculptures from 6th century in Akota, India
The Akota Bronzes are a collection of 68 religious metal sculptures created between the 6th and 12th centuries featuring Jain sacred figures. The pieces display skilled metalworking with representations of holy saints, their attendants, and divine beings from medieval India.
These sculptures were discovered near Vadodara in 1951 and originated from a religious sanctuary established during the Kshatrapa period in Gujarat. The era marked a time when metalwork became a primary form of expressing Jain faith in the region.
The bronzes depict sacred Jain figures and the protective goddess Ambika with intricate details and symbolic elements reflecting local beliefs. These representations show how religious worship was expressed through metalwork in medieval times.
Most of these bronze sculptures are displayed at the Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery, while additional examples are housed at the National Museum in New Delhi. Visiting both institutions allows for seeing various pieces from this important collection.
Two images of Jivantasvami depict Mahavira as a young prince and are among the earliest examples of western Indian metal sculpture traditions. These rare representations mark a transition in how artists portrayed spiritual leaders during that period.
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