Adi Varaha Idol: A Marvel from MP Set to Shine at International Sculpture Exhibition
HYDERABAD: During the International Exhibition on Ancient Sculptures, scheduled for December, a captivating piece of history from Madhya Pradesh is set to make its debut at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya in Mumbai. This exhibition will showcase sculptural art from various countries, including India, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Among these remarkable artifacts, the Adi Varaha Idol from the District Archaeological Museum in Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, will stand out as a prominent representative of the state.
Crafted from red sandstone, this ancient sculpture depicts a rich tapestry of gods, goddesses, and sages. Rooted in mythologies like Bhagwat-Puran and Mahabharata, it commemorates the incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Varaha, who rescued the submerged Earth Goddess. The Adi Varaha statue holds immense artistic value, making it a prime example for iconographic studies.
Mr. Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary for the Department of Tourism and Culture in Madhya Pradesh, highlighted the state's three UNESCO World Heritage sites: Sanchi, Bhimbetka, and Khajuraho Group of Monuments. The state has yielded the remains of great dynasties over the centuries, and the earliest representation of sculptural art is dated around the 2nd Century BC.
The Directorate of Archaeology Madhya Pradesh has been instrumental in preserving and promoting the state's cultural heritage. Through activities such as village surveys, excavation, collection, and publication, they continue to illuminate Madhya Pradesh's rich historical legacy.
