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  4. South Asian ...

Sir Christopher Ondaatje
South Asian Gallery

Status

Temporarily Closed

Location

Level 3,
South Asia
3
ROM Map Level 3

Admission

Included with admission
Free for Members—Learn More
People walk around a gallery featuring statues of South Asian religious figures. People walk around a gallery featuring statues of South Asian religious figures. South Asian Gallery

Status

Temporarily Closed

Location

Level 3,
South Asia
3
ROM Map Level 3

Admission

Included with admission
Free for Members—Learn More

Where tradition and modernity meet.

The Sir Christopher Ondaatje South Asian Gallery is temporarily closed while we refresh our galleries. Stay tuned for more information soon! 

The history of South Asia spans more than 5,000 years, from an ancient civilization with a sophisticated visual culture and technology, to modern cities that are among the world's leading cosmopolitan centres. Though distinguished by diverse languages, religions and geographies, it's also unified by shared cultures, rituals and visual forms.

ROM's gallery is the only one of its kind in the western world to showcase both historical artifacts and contemporary art in a shared space in a celebration of the dynamic and diverse cultures of South Asia. It also represents the growing Diaspora, including the many South Asian communities living in Canada today.

About the Gallery

What?

350 of the best or most intriguing objects, out of an evolving collection of over 7,000 artifacts, in nine thematically organized areas including Imagining the Buddha, The Goddess, Passage to Enlightenment, Cultural Exchange, Home and the World (presenting modern and contemporary art of South Asia and its Diaspora as it pertains to contemporary issues), and more.

Where?

This gallery reflects the visual cultures of South Asia, a region that includes the countries of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the plateau region of Tibet in the Northeastern Himalayas.

When?

Spans the last 5,000 years: c. 2700 BCE to the present day.

Explore More
Search the ROM's online collections

Gallery Highlights

Sir Christopher Ondaatje South Asian Gallery.  The ROM’s gallery is the only one of its kind in the western world to showcase both historical artifacts and contemporary art in a shared space, to celebrate the dynamic and diverse cultures of South Asia. Sir Christopher Ondaatje South Asian Gallery.  The ROM’s gallery is the only one of its kind in the western world to showcase both historical artifacts and contemporary art in a shared space, to celebrate the dynamic and diverse cultures of South Asia. Sir Christopher Ondaatje South Asian Gallery/Level 3

View of historical statues in a gallery space showing the dynamic and diverse cultures of South Asia.

01
Sir Christopher Ondaatje South Asian Gallery.  The largest permanent display case in the ROM showcases fragile South Asian textiles including the Chintz and Palampores collections... Sir Christopher Ondaatje South Asian Gallery.  The largest permanent display case in the ROM showcases fragile South Asian textiles including the Chintz and Palampores collections... Sir Christopher Ondaatje South Asian Gallery/Level 3

View looking into a gallery space showing a large textile behind various sized South Asian objects

02
Examine concepts of the divine in many artistic forms in the gallery. Virtually every element of South Asian religious imagery carries symbolic meaning. Head of Bodhisattva carved in plaster. Examine concepts of the divine in many artistic forms in the gallery. Virtually every element of South Asian religious imagery carries symbolic meaning. Head of Bodhisattva carved in plaster. Head of Bodhisattva (carved plaster) (detail), Kushan Period, Pakistan, 4th - 5th century AD.

Close up of a face of a South Asian statue.  The eyes appear sleepy.

03
This exquisite bronze figure depicts a Yakshi, or nature divinity, who symbolizes fertility. Here, the artistry of the work is almost as important as the subject. Bronzes such as this demonstrate the skill of South Asian metal workers from an early period onwards. This exquisite bronze figure depicts a Yakshi, or nature divinity, who symbolizes fertility. Here, the artistry of the work is almost as important as the subject. Bronzes such as this demonstrate the skill of South Asian metal workers from an early period onwards. Yakshi, Karnataka and Decca, India. Copper alloy, Chalukya Period, 8th – 9th century AD.

A bronze figure on display in a case.  Other South Asian objects are visible in the background including a blue figure in a seated position.

04
Sir Christopher Ondaatje South Asian Gallery, varied styles of South Asia's architecture influenced the history of global design. Photographs and decorative objects reflect the varied styles of South Asia's architecture and show how these forms captured the world's imagination in the 19th century. Sir Christopher Ondaatje South Asian Gallery, varied styles of South Asia's architecture influenced the history of global design. Photographs and decorative objects reflect the varied styles of South Asia's architecture and show how these forms captured the world's imagination in the 19th century. Sir Christopher Ondaatje South Asian Gallery/Level 3

Two people in a gallery looking at a large old wooden carved door.  In the foreground, a book is displayed under glass.

05
A contemporary twist on conventional South Asian art. Inspired by village witch-trials, fertility goddesses, and the indigo trade, the brilliant sculpture "Kunti" reflects the contrasting ideas that have shaped South Asian culture. A contemporary twist on conventional South Asian art. Inspired by village witch-trials, fertility goddesses, and the indigo trade, the brilliant sculpture "Kunti" reflects the contrasting ideas that have shaped South Asian culture. Kunti Sculpture ("Blue Lady"), 1999. Artist: Navjot AltafA contemporary twist on conventional South Asian art. Inspired by village witch-trials, fertility goddesses, and the indigo trade, the brilliant sculpture "Kunti" reflects the contrasting ideas that have shaped South Asian culture.

Head and torso of a blue female figure.  Profile of the left side of the face.  The right hand is clenched and held close to the right shoulder and the left is open palm also held close to the left shoulder.

06

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