Description

This sculpture is of the Mahayana Buddhist deity Tara, as mentioned in scriptural texts like the Prajnaparamitasutra. Her iconography and symbolism gradually crystallised over time- evolving to refer to the compassion of perfected wisdom by the 7th-8th centuries CE. Under the Palas, the worship of Tara also proliferated, and evolved significantly in the Tibetan Vajrayana branch outside- where she was viewed as the consort of Avalokitesvara. She is characterised by fierce independence and determination. This worn sculpture shows her as the central figure, on a lotus pedestal. While the background carving is detailed, with pillars carved out flanking a carved prabhamandala, she is also surrounded by two attendants on either side. Time has worn away more finer details of the sculpture, though no breakage or chipping is visible.