Buddhist heritage: Lahore Museum’s Gandhara artefacts appreciated in NYC
Fifty Gandhara civilisation artefacts from the Lahore Museum’s collection have received a tremendous response from media and visitors to the New Asia Society Museum in New York in the United States.
Elaine Merguerian, director of communications at the New Asia Society Museum, said via email that the exhibition “has received much enthusiastic attention from the media and many, many visitors who are interested in Pakistan, Buddhist heritage and the story behind the exhibition.”
She added that the exhibition was “probably a once in a lifetime opportunity to see these great works of art from Pakistan in the United States.”
Lahore Museum director Humaira Alam said museums in South Korea, Japan and Sri Lanka had repeatedly asked the Lahore Museum for artefacts. “They are not sent until we are assured about the timely return of the artefacts and their security,” she said.
The collection was also displayed in Germany, France and Switzerland between 2008 and 2010. The artefacts were also part of an exhibition in Japan in 1999.
Last seen
It was not clear when or if the pieces that have been winning rave reviews in NewYork were last on display at the Lahore Museum, since museum officials made conflicting statements.
A museum officer said on the condition of anonymity that most of the artefacts that were in New York had been in the reserves. “The collection was away for exhibit in Europe the last three years. We never got the time to display it here, since it just arrived back and then got sent away to New York.”
But Alam, the museum director, said the artefacts were from among those on permanent display at the Gandharan Art Gallery at the Lahore Museum. “Only a few pieces were selected to be sent from the reserves,” she added.
Some 300 artefacts of Gandhara art are on display and some 1,500 lie in the reserves at the gallery. Alam said the best items were on display. “Rotating artefacts in reserve with ones on display is avoided. Only the very best ones go on display. An item from storage is displayed only if the displayed items are away for an exhibition,” she said.
However, another museum officer said that there was only one reason why the artefacts were not rotated: laziness. “That would require a lot of research, writing, re-writing, edits and re-edits to prepare the labels for the artefacts,” said the officer. “Most curators and gallery in-charges here try to avoid such work.”
Sixteen artefacts from the National Museum in Karachi have also been sent for the exhibition, titled The Buddhist Heritage of Pakistan: Art of Gandhara, which opened on August 9 and runs till October 30. Fourteen of the 50 pieces of Gandhara art sent by the Lahore Museum are mentioned on the website of the Asia Society museum.
The exhibit is separated into three sections: “Classical Connections”, which shows the influence of Greco-Roman culture on the area’s artwork; “Narratives and Architectural Context”, which shows scenes from Buddha’s life, and “Buddhas and Bodhisattvas”, which depicts the multi-faceted nature of the religious figure as he was represented in this region.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 21st, 2011.
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No more non-sensical talking please! Evey religion of the world has suffered at the hands of the others and every religion has heaped cruelity on the followers of the other religions.
@goggi: Thank you for your response. I would like to thank all who have responded to my posts. While, it has been great to read and write the many threads on the Express Tribune ... it has exposed me and educated me, to many aspects of Pakistan, India and South Asia as a whole. I have decided, not to contribute anymore to these threads. This is largely due to the fact, that many of my posts, have been axed / censored, or if published, have been seen in an unfavorable light. While the latter, is understandable, the former is unwarranted. . If the Express Tribune does not institute binding rules on moderation, then unfortunately, it will act as a serious disincentive for quality contributions. Pardon, if that sounds self conceited ... but that is not the intention at all. My best wishes and regards to all. Thank you.
History tell us that Buddhist were really tortured and butchered by Hindus in India way before Islam introduced to human being !! recently still few cases are reported in Ladakh region, in India occupied Kashmir, where Buddhist are living in poor condition.
I do understand why some Indians has problem with this grand exhibition around the globe, as a matter of fact, today's India is not that land that was famous for centuries and centuries, fact is olden days sub continent (India) that It was famous for rich Indus civilization e.g (Mohinjodarro, and Harrapa) and then it was famous for Gandharah Civilization, and then it was the Mughal Empire (Islamic Civilization). Today's India hold nothing but historical junk. Real Cream of all old civilizations is an asset of land that is known, today as Pakistan. They' (Pakistanies) were the same people who used to be Mohinjodarreans , Harrappeans, Gandharians, and now Muslims. These so called Indians got nothing but empty shells that they fire out of jealousy !!! PAKISTANIES SHOULD BE PROUD THAT REAL RICH HERITAGE OF SUBCONTINENT WAS LAND OF PAKISTAN AND IT WAS / IS LOCATED IN TODAY'S PAKISTAN THAT INDIA TRY TO CASH FOR NOTHING. it was the same land (today's PAKISTAN ) that was flourished throughout the history, from Mohinjodarro to Muslims civilization. Word "Hind" actually driven from word "Sind (Indus), and It is one of the states of Pakistan.
@goggi
A truly refreshing comment. Also, a fact not known to many, is that a large no of lower caste hindus in India converted to Budhism and no fatwa was issued for their annihilation.
@Usa: If u forget about what happened in the past, u also forget about ur coming future...
@Arvind Mehraa:
a nice experience to have a constructive exchange of ideas with you pertaining GANDHARA CULTURE our common cultural roots. We are the foliage of the same very ancient tree (of wisdom) which has its roots very deep in the history: It depends on the consciousness of every single individual how she/he, you, me perceive this ancestral tree........because our consciousness determines our being! If one strives for perfection in life, then there is no sense in harbouring negativity.
I am sending you a link from one very famous German writer Herman Hesse and his bestseller novel "Siddhartha". I wish one day you find time and peace to read it.......rather study it! Lots of thanks
The literature Network http://www.online-literature.com/hesse/siddhartha/
Your neighbour from Pakistan
@Arvind Mehraa: Mr. Mehraa, Pakistan is a deluded state, and the ramifications of these delusions are being experienced in full force. The vast majority of this country have been fed with Islamic nationalism and a hatred of India, and the West. I daresay that a similar anti-Pakistani mindset persists in India? In the meantime, there are still Pakistanis around who do care about their heritage, and aren't blinded by religious zeal. Who can appreciate the importance of plurality.
Also, we didn't blow up any Buddhist statues. We're not Afghanistan. This country needs change, and education.
Wow.. an article that dared to say the truth about Pakistan's HERITAGE ends up with comments on Hindu, India & what-not. . A comment by "Zafar Mullah Aug 21, 2011 - 7:54PM" says all of it in very precise terms [Kudos for his sarcasm, hoping that's what it was] . Here's a quick plan of action: Always blame Hindus, RAW, Jews, MOSSAD, Christians, CIA-FBI for every thing that's wrong in all of Ummah. And always think, speak & act as if Pakistan represents all of Muslim ummah. . MN
I laugh when I hear that Buddhists were converted by Hindus. Where and when? Buddhism died when Islam came to South Asian. Buddhists don't believe in god, thus they were the ultimate kafirs. The Taliban is still destroying their idols. Even though the last buddhist was killed/converted hundreds of years ago.
Here's a test go to the main Mosque in your town. Claim to be a Buddhist and say there is no God. See what will happen.
@Arvind Mehraa: "Enlightenment, for a wave in the ocean, is the moment the wave realises it is water." Thich Nhat Hanh................................................................
My precious friend, Buddhist teachings are all about Human Depth Psychology and least interested in any metaphysical or superstitious beliefs. That is why Buddhism is not a religion but rather a life-style. ................
Besides that it is worth mentioning, that Gautama Buddha is one of the greatest pedagogue of mankind who taught and inspired his disciples with love and patience. And he is the one who gave the world "meditation"! All his statues depict "deep meditation"!!!
"My teaching is not a philosophy. It is the result of direct experience... My teaching is a means of practice, not something to hold onto or worship. My teaching is like a raft used to cross the river. Only a fool would carry the raft around after he had already reached the other shore of liberation."
Peace and happiness to all!
Buddha is worshipped by Hindus. I do. He is referred to as 'Bharat ke Bhagwaan Buddh'. He was a Hindu prince.His name was Gautam [which is a common name in India]. His father was king Suddhodhan. His wife was the Hindu princess yashodhara. His son's name was Rahul which is a common name in India ex. Rahul Gandhi and Shahrukh Khan's name in many of his hit movies. Just wanted to draw your attention to the fact that Buddhism is very much alive in India.Once Buddha got enlightened he acquired the name of Siddharth which again is a name used by many Hindus ex Siddharth Malya the famous young business tycoon and owner of Royal Challengers cricket team. Do forgive me if I have made any mistake.
Forget about what happened in the past, what are you doing to people don't believe in your religion today??
Buddhists were converted by the CIA / MOSSAD / RAW. No pakistani has ever converted anyone. For those who choose to be daydreamers, the fact is that Pakistan has appeared out of thin air and so have all pakistanis. So think before you say that even a single pakistani has been converted.
Why is the hell totally prejudiced and ignorant posts are surfacing.Please respect and proud of collective heritage.I wish such exhibition took place in Delhi,India and we shall be able to appreciate our rich heritage.
buddhists were forced to move out of the centre of the subcontinent by the Hindus because buddhism was a 'revolt' against the suffering brougth about by the Hindu caste system.
Buddhists were treated like untouchables by the Hindus. Hinduism being the most inflexible religion of the world.
I am happy that we have some Buddhists artifacts to boast of- they are what else, but fossils- a sign of a Culture Destroyed because of its rigidness and obsoluteness
These links may help clear some air,I hope:
1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeclineofBuddhisminIndia. 2)http://www.metta.lk/english/buddhism-ap.htm?bcsiscan40D940621B5BD15F=0&bcsiscanfilename=buddhism-ap.h
Can anyone explain me why Jainism and Buddhism vanished from South India, where hardly any Muslim expansionism took place?May I know why 50 lakh followers of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar left Santana Dharma and became Buddhists?May I know why Buddhism and Jainism arose in the first place...may I know?
Friends, these 3 religions have disputed a lot amongst themselves in the past 2500 years.Simply because there is a Dominant Player like Political Islam in the Subcontinent are these Santanis trying to show their "love" for Buddhism.Its fake!
Ladies and Gentlemen, I belong to the Sanatan Dharma which accepts all other religious beliefs.We believe in the concept of 'Sarva Dharma Sambhava', which translates as "All religions are same".There is no concept of a Hindu heretic.Yes, you can ofcourse believe in One God and Prophets and still stay Hindu.
Our religion is very tolerant and we don't crtiticize others beliefs.I have so many Muslim,Christian,atheist,agnostic,Sikh,Parsi friends
However,the Buddhists were wrong to give up the Vedic texts.So were the Jains.The Parsis were terribly wrong to give importance to a singular God- Ahura Mazda and also to listen to a Prophet like Zarathusta.The Christians are only concerned with their own scriptures.Ask a Christian whether you will achieve Salvation without believing in Jesus as a Messiah and without becoming Monotheists.Muslims? Well, one of our Responsible Leaders called them as "Hissing Yawana Snakes".MOst intolerant creed.Definitely not my favorites.All words of Urdu/Perrsian/Turkic/Arabic origin should be thrown out of Indian languages and Hindus should stop watching performances of Muslim artists like Mohammad Rafi,ShahRukh Khan,,Amir Khan,etc.Hindus should stop naming their children as Suhel, Anjum, Sahil, Sameer,etc.
Further,Guru Nanak was a 'kapti' (hypocrite) to follow that Communal Muslim 'saint'- Baba Fariduddin GanjShakkar.So are his followers, the Khalistanis.
I hate those who are Secular and Liberal (and thus atheist) because they are Pseudo-Secularists.Communists are intolerable for their rigid opposition to introducing Vedic concepts in schools,Governance,etc.
I would like Vande Mataram to be made sole National Song/Anthem of India.Surya Namaskar and the practice of saying "Om" while doing Yoga should be made Compulsory.All those children who refuse to comply should be thrown out!
I reiterate that our religion believes in accomodating the beliefs of all religions.
Lastly let me clarify- If you don't follow Sanatan Dharma and don't regard it as the sole True Religion, you are Illiterate, Ignorant, Foolish!All such people will go to Hell.
@ahmed: Buddism was a a part of Hinduism. There is no such thing as conversion between Hinduism and Buddism. Infact Lord Buddha was a Hindu. Infact Buddhism has a Buddhist version of Ramayana and a Buddhist version of Mahabharata. Even today there are millions of Buddhists in India and not just that we also welcome millions of Tibetan Buddists since 1950s.
To those saying Hindus converted Buddhists: nothing could be more wrong. There's no such thing called "conversion" in Indian religions.
Buddhists disappeared from India because of a Turkish nutcase called Bakhtiyar Khilji who burned down Nalanda university. Indian Buddhists later moved to eastern Asia.
@SK: At around 10 to 13 million, India has the 10 largest Buddhist population. It is 1% of India or 4% of the world Buddhist pop.
@SK: Buddhism is making a revival in India. There are many strands ... Tibetan Tantric / Vajrayana (Mahayana) Buddhism ... thanks to His Holiness, the Dalai Lama's presence in India, along with a very significant Tibetan populace. . There is the immense popularity of S.N.Goenka's Vipassana movement (from Burmese Theravada tradition). Which provides free meditation camps for 10 days. They started in New Delhi and have not close to 140 centers in the world (none in Pakistan and the Arab world, of course.). . There is the widespread adoption of Buddhism, thanks to the example set by Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, who though born an untouchable, was the architect of India's constitution. And Buddhism's influence in empowering and educating, the millions of Indian oppressed and suffusing them the confidence, as well as the discipline of 'peaceful' reform and self-definition, is significant. . There is the nascent revival in the educated middle classes, to understand Buddhist philosophy and see it as an integral part of their spiritual outlook. This is small, but is growing fast. . So, yes, overall the numbers are small, but consider that not just Buddhism, but the details of Buddha too was sketchy, only 150 years back. From nothing, Buddhism has become a strong undeniable presence. Indian official iconography, is overwhelmingly Buddhist. The Chakra in the Indian Flag. The seal of the Indian Government and State, the three (fourth one hidden), lions on a bell capital. India's use of the 'Smiling Buddha' signal. . All that, and the fact, that we don't blow up giant Buddhist statues, unlike some of our very "considerate and concerned" neighbours.
@Kanishka.....how many buddhists are there left in India, now that you start the topic?
@ahmed: Really ????????????? The best thing about Sanatan Dharma (Hindu Religion) is that it is very flexible and allows its offsprings to grow in a healthy environment. That's why we see a lot of religions as offsprings of Hinduism like jainism , budhism, sikhism etc. BTW it's not a insecure religion like islam which can't stand other's philosophy. That's why we see shia and sunnis rioting in the world and sunnis killing ahmadis in karachi in broad day light. Riots have happened in india between hindus and other communities but they were politically motivated rather than sanctioned by religious philosophy......
I went to Peshawar Museum 5 years ago and many artifacts like these are displayed there, it only costs Rs 10.
Newsflash: Asia Society is a hole in the wall, niche museum. Metroplitan and Brooklyn Museums are a 'World in a Hall', noux institutions. While it is great that Indian Art is receiving exposure, please bear in mind that the footfalls at Asia Society is less than a fraction of the other two museums. So, what's showing at the Metropolitan? Mother Godesses, a retrospective of Hindu representation of feminine conceptions of divinity and strength. What's showing at the Brooklyn? The Avatars of Vishnu, the many representation of divinity as the preserver and savior of humanity. The Brooklyn also mounted excellent exhibit on Rajput and Mughal miniatures. The Metropolitan mounted one on Jainism, which is all too often ignored in the West's monomania for Mahayana Buddhism. The curatorial sophistication has improved, but the cultural awareness of the audience hasn't. It is mostly, just a backdrop to an NYU datenight. This is especially due to the rich tea and sympathy patrons at Asia Society, who have been unable to project Asia convincingly to the mainstream American audiences. The result is an out of focus visual staccato. The right and proper venue in New York would have been the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art. This museum is yet to do a convincing project on Pakistan situated arts and artifacts. Now THAT, is a real shame, because the RUBIN, has a wonderful ambiance and attracts a dedicated audience, who given the singular focus and mission, can really bring the archaeological heritage situated in Pakistan, to widespread attention. New York is the ideal ground for launching a cultural awareness campaign. But it has to be done with 'strategic depth', not willy-nilly.
I have seen some of the splendid Gandhara collections in the Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Taxila Museums and although the Asia Society exhibition was humble in comparison to the riches we have in Pakistan, it was thoughtfully curated and a rare treat to see in New York. When I attended the exhibition, I overheard sophisticated New York socialite-types describe their surprise, shock even, that this was the heritage of Pakistan. How lucky we are! We must share it with each other in Pakistan and with the world and be proud. We must deepen our own knowledge of the fascinating cultures of which our identity is comprised and own it.
@anonymous: That's GREAT! I can see how much fun Pakistanis in Karachi, FATA, Swat, Balochistan, etc. are having with all the Buddhists gone.
There are still some hindus and christians, left in Pakistan. Lets convert them all and make Pakistan truly 100 percent Pak.
@ Kanishka .. They were actually converted by hindus centuries ago
The buddhists were converted by successive hindu regimes in the northwest of the region. Are there any buddhists in indian Punjab? They used to be in the majority in vast portions of india, what happened?
P.S. Why would there be Gandharan artificats in Lahore? Peshawar or Islamabad i can understand.
we have converted them all :-)
LOL! Welcome to South Asia.