Until very recently, Nepal was known as the world “only Hindu Kingdom”. For centuries Nepal has been ruled by Hindu kings – though in the far distant past several of the kings may have been Buddhist - and the Hindu social structure was the default organizing force of Nepalese society. Newar Buddhism (see next gallery) was always as important in the culture of the Kathmandu valley as the Hindu, but both religions were the inspiration for countless works of sacred art. Below are highlights of Hindu sculpture and painting from the Rubin Museum of Art collections.

Mahakala
Great Black One
Nepal; Inscription date 1639
Pigment on cotton
Rubin Museum of Art
C2006.66.39 (HAR 100007)

Indra
Ancient God of the Vedas
Nepal; 16th century
Gilt copper alloy
Rubin Museum of Art
C2005.16.44 (HAR 65467)

Panchmukha Bhairava
The Terrible One with Five Faces
Nepal; 17th century
Pigment on paper
Rubin Museum of Art
F1997.46.5 (HAR 100027)

Indra
Ancient God of the Vedas
Nepal; Inscription date 1462
Gilt copper alloy
Rubin Museum of Art
C2005.16.15 (HAR 65437)

Panchmukha Shiva
The Great Lord with Five Faces
Nepal; 17th century
Pigment on paper
Rubin Museum of Art
F1997.46.2 (HAR 100028)

Vishnu
Lord of the Gods
Nepal; 12th century
Gilt copper alloy
Rubin Museum of Art
C2006.35.2 (HAR 65669)

Kumari
Consort of Kumara Kartikeya
Nepal; 17th century
Pigment on paper
Rubin Museum of Art
F1997.46.4 (HAR 100030)

Vishnu with Shesha, the King of Snakes
Nepal; ca. 1600
Copper alloy
Rubin Museum of Art
C2003.21.2 (HAR 65231)

Goddess Indrani
Consort of Indra
Nepal; 17th century
Pigment on paper
Rubin Museum of Art
F1997.46.3 (HAR 100029)

Garuda
King of Birds
Nepal; 13th century
Gilt copper alloy with inlay
Rubin Museum of Art
C2005.16.13 (HAR 65435)

Chakrasamvara
Circle of Bliss
Nepal; Inscription date 1512
Pigment on cotton
Rubin Museum of Art
C2006.66.41 (HAR 100009)

Durga
Fearsome Goddess
Nepal; 13th century
Gilt copper alloy
Rubin Museum of Art
C2005.16.11 (HAR 65433)

Offering Goddess
Nepal; 13th century
Copper; répoussé
Rubin Museum of Art
C2006.66.636 (HAR 700058)

Offering Goddess
Nepal; 13th century
Copper; répoussé
Rubin Museum of Art
C2006.66.637 (HAR 700059)

Durga
Fearsome Goddess
Nepal; 11th century
Copper; répoussé
Rubin Museum of Art
C2006.66.638 (HAR 700060)

"From the Lands of the Gods" Arts of the Kathmandu Valley @ the Rubin Museum of Art, New York.  March 14 – November 10, 2008