The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Stone sculptures as healers

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Stone sculptures as healers

Staff Reporter

‘Therapeutics in Indian Sculptures’ released

The book is based on a study of 52 apsara sculptures in Gujarat
They were built by queen Udyamati in the 11 century

BANGALORE: One always views traditional sculptures as things of beauty or as objects of veneration but connecting them with medical treatment? Indologist Rekha Rao’s book, ‘Therapeutics in Indian Sculptures’, was released here on Wednesday.

Based on the study of 52 apsara sculptures at Ranki Vav in Patan, Gujarat, the book aims at a new approach in the interpretation of Indian sculptures through a therapeutic angle.

“She opened a new window to look at the sculptures,” said H.A. Ranganath, Vice-Chancellor, Bangalore University.

Ranki Vav or Rani Ki Vav is a multi-storeyed step well constructed by queen Udyamati in 11th Century C.E. The queen wanted to enlighten the public on the importance of good health and spiritual awareness by using sculptures as the medium, explained Ms. Rao.

The study of the apsaras points at the different medical techniques used to relieve pain from Ayurveda to aromatherapy, acupressure, reflexology and mudra vignana.

The presence of a snake, a scorpion or a serpent, for example, can be a way to indicate pain and the specific position of the fingers or the toes a remedy to it.

“The progression of the thought is impressive and really convincing,” said Darshana Jhaveri, Director, Manipuri Nartanalaya, who was guest of honour at the event.

“It is important to encourage people who are open-minded and dare to look at things from a different angle,” added S.R. Rao, former Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India, who was the chief guest.

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