Forms of the Goddess Lajja in Indian Art

The artists creating images of Lajja Gauri drew on various ancient symbols of fortune, fertility and life-force to communicate her power through their rich heritage of meanings.

As these historical-religious symbols and images were constantly reused and reincorporated, they formed a new and enriched religious context.

In the process of recycling, they became empowered cultural metaphors in the language of Indian art.

Since there are no texts to explain the figure, this study proceeds from the basis of the objects to derive their meaning.

Carol Bolon charts the changes in the goddess' form over a period of more than four centuries, including its possible adoption from tribal worship into Hindu temples, and brings a new appreciation of Lajja Gauri's rich symbolic meanings and cultural context.