theguardian.com
Ancient India: Living Traditions Exhibition at the British Museum
The British Museum's "Ancient India: Living Traditions" exhibition explores the shared roots and iconography of Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, highlighting the influence of nature and showcasing community involvement and ethical considerations in its design, challenging traditional museum narratives.
- How did the natural environment and agrarian context of ancient India shape the iconography and beliefs of Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism?
- The exhibition reveals how the natural world profoundly influenced the development of these religions, reflecting the agrarian society of ancient India. Shared symbols like the snake, lotus, and conch shell demonstrate the interconnectedness of these faiths, emphasizing their shared roots in nature and the environment. The inclusion of community voices and ethical considerations in the exhibition's design shows a new approach to museum curation.
- What innovative approaches to museum curation does the exhibition employ, and what are the potential long-term impacts on how museums engage with their collections and communities?
- The exhibition's innovative approach to museum curation, incorporating community voices and ethical considerations like ahimsa, sets a precedent for future exhibitions. This model of community involvement and transparent acknowledgement of colonial collecting practices challenges traditional museum narratives and promotes a sense of shared cultural heritage. The exhibition demonstrates the enduring relevance of ancient Indian religious traditions in contemporary Britain, highlighting the global interconnectedness of religious beliefs and practices.
- What is the central theme of the British Museum's "Ancient India: Living Traditions" exhibition, and what are its immediate implications for understanding the interconnectedness of Indian religions?
- The British Museum's "Ancient India: Living Traditions" exhibition showcases the interconnectedness of Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, highlighting shared iconography and the significant role of nature in shaping these religions. The exhibition features artifacts from across India, emphasizing the importance of eye contact with divine figures in religious practice and the impact of colonial collecting practices on the museum's collection.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing centers on the exhibition's innovative approach to showcasing religious artifacts, emphasizing inclusivity and community involvement. While positive, this focus might overshadow potential criticisms of the museum's colonial past or the complexities of representing sacred objects.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on the exhibition and its curation, with limited discussion of potential biases within the objects' original creation or the broader historical context of religious practices in India. While acknowledging the colonial history of some objects, the analysis could benefit from a more in-depth exploration of potential power imbalances and perspectives omitted during the objects' acquisition and display.
Sustainable Development Goals
The exhibition, by acknowledging and addressing the colonial history of the artifacts, promotes a more just and equitable approach to cultural heritage. The community involvement ensures that the voices and perspectives of those whose heritage is represented are heard and respected, fostering inclusivity and understanding. This directly supports SDG 16, specifically targets related to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all, building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels, and promoting the rule of law at the national and international levels.