The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City is set to showcase a groundbreaking exhibition titled ‘Tree & Serpent: Early Buddhist Art in India, 200 BCE–400 CE,’ thanks to the generous support of Reliance Industries Limited and Nita Ambani, founder and chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, a prominent Indian philanthropic organisation. The exhibit, which runs from July 21 to November 13, 2023, promises to be a fascinating journey into the origins of Buddhist art, displaying over 125 objects from the pivotal period between 200 BCE and 400 CE.
The collaboration between the Reliance Foundation and The Met marks a significant milestone in promoting cultural exchange between India and the United States. In 2019, Nita Ambani was honoured as the first Indian person to become an Honorary Trustee of The Met, cementing her commitment to fostering art, education, and intercultural understanding.
Nita Ambani expressed her enthusiasm for supporting ‘Tree & Serpent,’ stating, “I come from India, the land of the Buddha, and it is a huge honour for me to support ‘Tree & Serpent’ through Reliance Foundation’s partnership with The Met.” The exhibition aims to highlight the profound connection between Buddhism and India, a connection that has had a far-reaching impact on global thought. It will provide visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the rich narrative traditions and the pre-Buddhist origins of figurative sculpture in early Indian art.
The exhibition’s opening was celebrated with a special preview attended by distinguished guests, including India’s Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu and US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti, alongside Nita Ambani and other influential members of the diaspora and American community.
‘Tree & Serpent’ is expected to immerse visitors in the fascinating world of early Buddhist imagery, prominently featuring the sacred bodhi tree and the protective snake, two primary motifs in Buddhist art. These symbols hold deep significance within the tradition, representing enlightenment and protection, respectively.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, founded in 1870 by visionary American citizens, has been a hub of artistic and intellectual exploration for over a century. It houses an extensive collection of artefacts spanning 5,000 years of human history, representing diverse cultures from around the globe. ‘Tree & Serpent’ will undoubtedly add to the museum’s legacy by shedding light on a pivotal era in Indian art and its profound influence on Buddhist aesthetics.
The exhibit seeks to elucidate the evolution of Buddhist art in India during a formative period. By showcasing rare artefacts and masterful sculptures, the curators aim to engage visitors with the artistic expressions that emerged before the advent of Buddhism and how they intertwined with the subsequent rise of this transformative philosophy.
Visitors to the exhibition can expect to encounter an array of intriguing objects, from early Buddhist sculptures to ancient scriptures and artefacts. These tangible glimpses into the past will enable art enthusiasts and cultural historians to better comprehend the socio-religious contexts that shaped the development of early Buddhist art in India.
Nita Ambani’s commitment to supporting art, education, and cultural exchange exemplifies the Reliance Foundation’s dedication to enriching lives and nurturing a shared sense of global heritage. Through ‘Tree & Serpent,’ she hopes to strengthen the ties between India and the world by showcasing the enduring legacy of Buddhism and its continued relevance in shaping humanity’s collective consciousness.
The ‘Tree & Serpent: Early Buddhist Art in India, 200 BCE–400 CE’ exhibition at The Met is a momentous occasion that celebrates the profound artistic and spiritual heritage of India. With Nita Ambani’s visionary support, this exhibition promises to captivate audiences from around the world and encourage a deeper understanding of the rich cultural thread that binds us all. As visitors step into the world of early Buddhist art, they ride on a transformative journey, one that traverses centuries and continents to reveal the power of artistic expression and spiritual wisdom.
Feature Image Courtesy: Business Today
The Buddha statue discovered in Egypt indicates trade with ancient India
Contributor
