Until very recently, Nepal was known as the world “only Hindu Kingdom”. For centuries Nepal has been ruled by Hindu kings – though in the far distant past several of the kings may have been Buddhist - and the Hindu social structure was the default organizing force of Nepalese society. Newar Buddhism (see next gallery) was always as important in the culture of the Kathmandu valley as the Hindu, but both religions were the inspiration for countless works of sacred art. Below are highlights of Hindu sculpture and painting from the Museum’s collections.

Hinduism | Buddhism | Ritual Aesthetics | Divine Feminine | Shiva and Family

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