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From central India, 9th century AD
Asia OA 1872.7-1.50
Room 33: Asia
Fish
Matsya
This stone block (or stele) was originally displayed in a Hindu temple. It shows the god Vishnu, who is responsible for keeping the universe in order.
Hindus believe that Vishnu has come down to earth in different forms whenever there has been trouble to put right. The first time he visited there was a great flood, so he took the form of a fish called Matsya. Matsya saved people and holy writings from the waters. On this stele he is shown carrying a shrine to safety.
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Indian art in close-up detail, £14.99