Indian Sculpture and Painting, Illustrated by Typical Masterpieces, with an Explanation of their Motives and Ideals c10.29

c10.29

The word used in the text for a likeness—*Maya*, illusion or deception—is significant of the orthodox Hindu attitude towards portraiture. It was the whole object of Hindu endeavour to get rid of *Maya*, the illusive appearance of things, and to penetrate to the eternal Reality which stood behind it. For the artist to occupy himself with a simple imitation of nature was idle and impious. His aim must be to show the Divinity, which is the only reality. By the Hindu *Sastras*, as well as by the law of Islam, statues of human beings, as such, are distinctly forbidden. In the “Sukranitisara,” already alluded to, it is said: “Only the images of gods should be made, for they confer heaven and happiness; but the images of men and others shut the door of heaven and bring ill-fortune." And again: "A misshapen image of God is always better than an image of man, however well-made the latter may be."¹