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a unique Collection of alive Hindu there are paintings kept under an export barpreventing their departure UKDevi Mahatmya series, which clearly depicts the story of hindu religionAccording to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the Divine Mother is worth £280,000.
A DCMS spokesperson highlighted that the 56 paintings provide an important opportunity for the study of this artistic genre. The purpose of the export prohibition is to provide sufficient time for a UK gallery or institution to acquire the work for the nation.
This almost entire series portrays one of the most important narratives of Hinduism, using gold and silver paint to depict scenes ranging from quiet worship to intense battle.
One of the 200 year old artefacts painting Depicting the defeated gods Vishnu and Shiva appealing for help, this scene is believed to be unique to this particular collection.
The spokesperson said that no other comparable series survives in the UK, and the paintings are a reminder of the cultural connection between the UK and the Punjab region.
With over one million Hindus living in the UK, the paintings present an opportunity to research and celebrate their culture.
Culture Minister Baroness Twycross said: “This series is not only beautiful, but unique in the UK.
“With no other almost entirely similar narrative existing in our country, it is extremely important that we take the opportunity to keep this series in the UK and give researchers vital time to uncover its mysteries.”
The decision has been taken after the advice of the Review Committee on Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest (RCEWA).
Committee member Pippa Shirley said: “In these small, jewel-like paintings, an epic unfolds before our eyes. We see the divine mother goddess of Hinduism in her various forms, such as the fierce, multi-armed Kali, slaying demons in brutal battles, contrasted with scenes of courtly life, worship and serene landscapes filled with herds of animals.
“They were inspired by storytelling, recitation of Sanskrit hymns at weddings or family functions and are remarkable for their completeness.
“They shed light on artistic workshop practices and raise questions about the social and devotional use and collection of this type of material in the colonial period.
“They are also a powerful statement of divine feminine power. With no comparable set in the country, it is important that they are here so that they can be fully understood and enjoyed by as many audiences as possible.”