The British Museum’s landmark exhibition Ancient India: Living Traditions opens in late May 2025 and offers a profound, immersive journey into the spiritual, artistic and philosophical roots of South Asia. Spanning over 2,000 years of history, this major exhibition brings together more than 180 sacred and cultural artefacts to explore the enduring legacies of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Unlike traditional exhibitions focused solely on history, this project takes a unique approach: it emphasises how these ancient belief systems are still deeply embedded in daily life for millions of people around the world today.
This exhibition is curated by Dr Sushma Jansari, the Tabor Foundation Curator of South Asia, and is part of the British Museum’s commitment to foregrounding the voices and practices of global communities. What makes Ancient India: Living Traditions distinct is that it is not just a study of the past; it is a living dialogue with the present. Visitors are invited to go beyond artefacts in glass cases and instead experience the philosophies and aesthetics that continue to shape belief, ritual, art and identity in contemporary society.
The show is structured around key concepts that underpin Indian spiritual traditions—dharma (moral order), karma (cause and effect), moksha (liberation), and ahimsa (non-violence)—all presented in ways that draw clear connections between historical artefacts and modern practice. Objects on display include intricately carved stone reliefs, bronze deities, sacred manuscripts, painted scrolls, and ritual tools. Some items date back to the early centuries BCE, while others are recent ceremonial pieces still in active use.
Among the most striking works on display are a life-sized 10th-century sandstone sculpture of Vishnu reclining on the cosmic serpent Ananta; a rare palm-leaf manuscript of the Jain Kalpasutra with miniature paintings in vibrant reds and golds; and a monumental bronze of the dancing Shiva (Nataraja) on loan from the Tamil Nadu State Museum. These pieces do not merely illustrate ancient myths; they are physical expressions of devotion and divine presence, offering visitors an experience akin to the practice of darshan—to see and be seen by the divine.
In addition to showcasing historical artistry, the exhibition features contributions from contemporary South Asian artists and spiritual leaders. Video installations, digital storytelling booths, and immersive audio soundscapes allow visitors to hear directly from practitioners across the UK and India. For example, a recorded conversation with a Jain monk explains how renunciation and compassion guide his daily choices, while a British Tamil woman shares how her family honours ancestral traditions through dance and prayer at home in Croydon.
The British Museum has worked closely with South Asian communities across the UK to ensure the exhibition is inclusive, respectful, and representative. A community advisory board—including artists, scholars, faith leaders, and educators—has informed the exhibition’s design, interpretation, and outreach. This collaboration has led to innovative programming around the exhibition, including live performances, sacred music concerts, yoga sessions, craft workshops, and guided tours led by community ambassadors.
Interactive learning is also a major component. A dedicated family zone will allow children to explore Indian myths through storytelling, puppetry, and digital games. Meanwhile, school groups can participate in tailored workshops focused on philosophy, religious studies, art, and history, linked directly to the national curriculum.
Throughout the exhibition’s five-month run, there will be a rotating series of public lectures, in-conversation panels, and spiritual practice demonstrations. Events include a panel on “Interpreting Dharma in the 21st Century,” a classical Odissi dance performance interpreting the life of Krishna, and a demonstration of traditional Buddhist mandala painting. These sessions are expected to draw scholars and general audiences alike and will be live-streamed for international viewers.
Importantly, Ancient India: Living Traditions also addresses the critical issue of cultural restitution and ethical curation. Visitors will encounter thoughtful commentary on the histories of the museum’s South Asian collections, many of which were acquired during the British colonial era. Rather than shying away from difficult questions, the curators have integrated reflection points into the exhibition, prompting audiences to consider the power dynamics behind museum collections and the need for transparency, inclusion, and ongoing dialogue with source communities.
For visitors of South Asian heritage, this exhibition offers a moving recognition of their ancestral roots and spiritual heritage. For others, it is an opportunity to better understand the depth, complexity, and continuity of a civilisation that has profoundly shaped world culture. Whether you are drawn to the philosophy, art, or aesthetics of India’s ancient faiths, the exhibition provides a space to reflect on universal human questions—about meaning, purpose, suffering, and transcendence.
Ancient India: Living Traditions runs until 19 October 2025. Entry is free, but due to high interest, the British Museum recommends pre-booking online, especially for weekends and guided sessions. Exhibition catalogues, gift shop items, and specially commissioned art prints will be available onsite and online.
For those seeking deeper insight into the living threads that bind past and present in Indian culture, this is more than just an exhibition. It is a sacred encounter.
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