- Ancient Sculptures:
- The 11th-century bronze statue of Nataraja (Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer) from Tamil Nadu is considered a masterpiece. Its intricate details and spiritual symbolism make it one of the rarest and most revered images.
- The Ellora Caves in Maharashtra house remarkable carvings of Hindu deities, including a massive sculpture of Lord Shiva as Mahadeva.
- Temple Murals and Frescoes:
- The Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur features vivid murals depicting the divine wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
- Kerala’s ancient temples boast rare wall paintings showcasing unique postures and expressions of Hindu gods.
- Historical Manuscripts:
- Palm-leaf manuscripts from Odisha and Bengal often include intricate, miniature depictions of deities.
- The Bikaner School of Art produced rare paintings of Krishna’s Raslila, capturing divine love in vibrant colors.