Finely carved stone ‘Ganeshan’ from TN on display at AnSI

Mysuru: As part of its monthly ‘Object of the Month’ series, the Zonal Anthropological Museum, Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI), Southern Regional Centre, Bogadi, Mysuru, is showcasing a finely carved stone sculpture of Lord Ganesha, locally known as ‘Ganeshan’.

The sculpture, collected from Thirumuruganpoondi in Tirupur district of Tamil Nadu, is carved from hard stone, granite. It reflects the artisan’s skill in chiselling, proportion, modelling and intricate ornamentation, in keeping with principles associated with Shilpa Shastra.

The crown, ear ornaments, necklaces, sacred thread, girdle, patterned garments and decorated pedestal highlight the distinctive features of South Indian sacred art.

The exhibition also highlights the role of Vishwakarma community in preserving TN’s traditional stone-carving heritage. In Thirumuruganpoondi, stone carving has historically been practised by Vishwakarma and Nayakkar families, with specialised knowledge passed down through generations through observation, participation and apprenticeship.

The exhibition also draws attention to the challenges faced by traditional stone sculptors today. The number of stone-carving workshops in Thirumuruganpoondi has reportedly declined from more than 150 to around 112 over the past five years.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Gaurav Yadav, Senior Scientist and Head of Office, Regional Museum of Natural History, Mysuru. It has been curated by Dr. Banita Behera and Sagar Kodi.