Best Anuradhapura sculpture: Statue of Tara

The Statue of Tara displayed in the British Museum is a bronze Anuradhapura period statue which dates from the 8th century in Sri Lanka. There is a general belief that the statue was forcefully moved to Britain but the British authorities claim that the statue was discovered and was then moved to Britain.

Historical Background of the statue of Tara

The statue was crafted during the period of Anuradhapura Kingdom. It is recorded that the Anuradhapura period was influenced by Buddhism and one can see the influences in its culture, laws, and methods of governance. During this period, Hinduism was also prominent and there was the cultural interaction between Buddhism and Hinduism. The best example of the cultural interaction is the Buddhist deity, Tara. Originally, Tara was the Hindu mother goddess but was redesigned within Buddhism and was presented with the new role.

Regarding the statue, it was thought to be the statue of the guardian deity Pattini. But now, it is agreed that the statue is of Tara instead of Pattini. This identification suggests that there is the presence of Mahayana Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism in the medieval period which allowed Buddhist to worship beings other than Buddha. By looking at the nature of the statue of Tara and the history, we can come to a conclusion that Tara may have been worshiped as a deity and not just as the consort of a male god. If the statue was worshiped as the consort of a male god then it would have been placed in a temple alongside the statue of her male companion, Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara.

Discovery of the statue of Tara

As other complains that the statue of Tara was forcefully taken by the then British Governor, Sir Robert Brownrigg from the last king of Kandy. But the British officials claim that the rare statue of Tara was found in the early 19th century somewhere between Trincomalee and Batticaloa of the eastern coast of Sri Lanka. After discovering the statue, Sir Robert Brownrigg acquired the statue. Later he donated the statue to the British Museum in the 1830s.

After acquiring the statue by the British Museum, they were much more concerned regarding the physical appearance and confused whether to showcase the statue or not. The statue had the large exposed breasts, narrow waist and curvaceous hips which were considered as too erotic for the public. Hence, the statue was kept out of sight for nearly thirty years. The statue was only available for scholars to study. But the intention of this statue was never to arouse the general public. It had always been religious. By the 1860s, the statue was labeled as the Secretum .

Iconography of the statue of Tara

The statue of Tara is depicted in a standing figure which is cast in bronze using the lost wax process. The statue is about three quarter life size. It has been gilded to create the luxurious golden appearance. The upper body of the statue of Tara is naked while lower parts are equipped with a lower garment tied to the hips with an ankle length hemline. The right hand of the statue is depicted in the gesture of giving while the left hand is thought to be depicted as holding a lotus flower which is lost in present context. The statue of Tara wears a high crown dominated by a medallion.

It is recorded that the statue was not hollow inside of the statue but instead made from an expensive metal using an advanced technique of lost wax casting. It is believed that this statue is the last one that exists as an example of Anuradhapura of its size.

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