Buddhism thrived in India for over a thousand years. Discover important sites in the life of the Buddha.
The art of South Asia
Described as a “museum of religions,” Hinduism encompasses many beliefs and accepts a pantheon of deities.
Beliefs made visible: Hindu art in South ...
A mound of dirt or the body of the Buddha? These sacred sites give practitioners insight into the Four Noble Truths.
The Great Stupa at Sanchi
An empty throne, footsteps, and a wheel—rather than represent the Buddha directly, sculptors relied on symbols.
Images of enlightenment: aniconic vs. iconic depictions ...
A temple with three shrines, this majestic complex faces the sea and features a rich sculptural program.
Shore Temple, Mamallapuram
This legendary complex draws thousands of visitors per day. Its bewildering spaces delight—and overwhelm—the eye.
The Meenakshi Temple at Madurai
This huge white-marble mausoleum is recognized the world over for its splendor, symmetry, and stunning gardens.
The Taj Mahal
Who’s that in the plumed hat? From emperors to kings, the painter Bichitr mastered court portraiture.
Bichitr, Jahangir Preferring a Sufi Shaikh to ...
Under Akbar the Great, the Mughal style of painting blended Indian, Persian, and Western artistic traditions.
Illustration from the Akbarnama
One of the world’s main monotheistic faiths, Islam was founded by Muhammad, a merchant from Mecca.
Introduction to Islam
Made for a sultan, this unusual automaton emblematizes the fierce hostility between British and Indian rulers.
Tipu’s Tiger
This extraordinary carving is one of the largest relief sculptures in the world. Scholars still debate its meaning.
The Great Relief at Mamallapuram
This elephant-headed god is celebrated throughout the year with offerings placed in temples and domestic shrines.
Ganesha Jayanti, Lord of Beginnings
Beautiful women and loving couples adorn this temple. Together, they symbolize fertility, growth, and divine union.
Sacred space and symbolic form at Lakshmana ...
Each year, millions of pilgrims come here to worship Shiva and to bathe in the holy waters of the River Ganges.
Varanasi: sacred city
Siddhartha achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. Now a major pilgrimage site, it is covered in offerings.
Bodh Gaya: center of the Buddhist world
Buddhism thrived in India for over a thousand years. Discover important sites in the life of the Buddha.
Beliefs made visible: Buddhist art in South ...
Caught in a moment of his dance, this many-limbed figure embodies Hindu ideals of beauty and physical perfection.
Shiva as Lord of the Dance (Nataraja)
Cut into a mountainside, this monastic complex is hard to see but offers a breathtaking glimpse of ancient India.
The Caves of Ajanta
Topped with lions and lotus flowers, these ancient stone columns provide early evidence of the Buddhist faith.