Ancient Sculptures India Egypt Assyria Greece Rome

The 2nd century CE limestone lotus medallion from the Great Stupa of Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh.
Photo Credit: Courtesy CSMVS

Ancient Sculptures at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) in Mumbai displays the museum’s own collection and pieces from other Indian museums with sculptures from Rome, Greece, Egypt and Assyria. The exhibition is the result of a collaboration between CSMVS and the J. Paul Getty Museum, British Museum, and Berlin State museums. Amongst the highlights are the museum’s own lotus medallion — a majestic 2nd century CE limestone sculpture from the ruins of the Great Stupa at Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh). A symbol of purity across many cultures, the lotus has recently become a controversial political motif. In the words of a commentator from The Bharat Times, “For art education and for reinterpreting ancient art history through an Indian lens, this is one of the most important shows ever to have been mounted in an Indian museum.”