3-000-072 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Raga Gandhara, 1650-75. A gaunt ascetic with protruding ribs sits on a tiger skin as a disciple carrying a pouch approaches. With legs contorted into a complex posture, the seated yogi has engaged in such prolonged physical discipline as to appear androgynous. The jewelry adorning the emaciated body, however, identifies the figure as female. With loose hair that grows unchecked, she has removed herself from mainstream society in order to build yogic power through her austere practices. A fire burns before her; behind her, at the base of the trident holding a peacock-feather fan, a pot contains ashes, which she smears on her forehead to mark herself as a devotee of the god Shiva. In stark contrast to the ascetic woman's withered body, the river and tree near which she sits brim with life.