Shiva as Bhikshatana bronze, India, 19th century

Shiva as Bhikshatana

This rare, tribal bronze shows Shiva as Bhikshatana, the beggar. It is in the Jain style.

Shiva has a staff and a begging bowl in his two front hands and a discus and conch in his two rear hands. A small horse and dog stand to either side of him. Cast on the platform before him are various emblems including two feet which represent the individual who commissioned this bronze, standing before Shiva in worship.

An impressive flame-like aureole is attached behind Shiva. Two lugs to the rear probably are to allow peacock feathers to be attached to the bronze (shown below).