Introspective Indra

Indra is the king of gods and their leader in the many battles against demons. In modern India this once exalted god is rarely remembered but in Nepal his cult still flourishes among both Hindus and Buddhists and he is honored in the popular ten day festival called the Indra-jatra ('The procession of Indra').

Identifying Indra is a relatively easy job for the art historian since in contrast to other deities his third eye at the center of the forehead is horizontal rather than vertical. Here Indra, as befits a king, is seated in the posture of royal ease and is regally adorned with rich ornaments. His crown typically has a single crest, a trait that is rarely shared by any other deity.

The lovingness with which Indra's body has been rendered with its slim yet majestic and taut form speaks volumes about the sculptor's skill. The face has an introspective demeanour and the inward looking eyes are semi-closed, like those of a meditator.