MP to showcase 10th Century idol at global expo on ancient sculptures

The Directorate of Archaeology, Madhya Pradesh, will showcase 10th Century idol of Adi Varaha at the International Exhibition on Ancient Sculptures, which is set to be conducted at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) in Mumbai on December 1, 2023.

Several prestigious archaeological sculptures from all corners of the world will be exhibited in this global event. The Adi Varaha idol from the Vidisha District Archaeological Museum will become the only sculpture from MP to be displayed at the exhibition.

The monument is carved out in red sandstone with the carvings of numerous Gods, Goddesses and Sages. According to ancient mythologies like Bhagwat-Puran and Mahabharata, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Varaha and rescued the submerged earth Goddess. The sculpture possesses a very high artistic value in iconographic studies and serves as one of the best examples of Adi Varaha.

Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary Department of Tourism and Culture, MP, said: “The State houses countless archaeological wonders and is home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites like 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 2nd Century BC.”

The Directorate of Archaeology, MP, has always been in limelight for the commendable work done in the fields of archaeology. The main function of this Directorate is to conduct village to village survey, excavation, collection, display, prevention, compilation, publication and protection of the cultural heritage spread across the State.