Masterpieces of Madhya Pradesh

“Masterpieces of Madhya Pradesh” is an attempt to present some of the best sculptural pieces of the land before you. From the days of the folk based artistic endeavours under the Sungas to the classicist Guptas, and the subsequent changes and continuities in in theme and decoration under the Pratiharas, Kalachuris, Paramaras, Chandelas and Kachhapaghatas as the feudal society with its distinctive social codes, beliefs and behavioral styles developed, the journey of the sculptural art has been described in a chronological sequence. A mere description of the art pieces has not been our objective, rather an attempt has been made to situate the art forms under a particular dynasty within the socio-economic and political context of the times. Thus changes in the pattern and style of patronage, the opulence and ostentatious pleasure seeking culture of feudal society, the increasing popularity of Vaishnavism and Shaivism and decline and absorption of Buddhism within the Hindu pantheon, the increasing importance of Shakti cult and tantricism in certain regions have all formed the structural context within which art styles under particular dynasties developed its idioms and norms. Along with the place of acquisition of the particular sculpture, its present location has also been given to help students and research scholars.