A special 10-day exhibition, “TATVAM: SIDDHAM CALLIGRAPHY - MANIFESTATION OF RUPA-BRAHMA”, has started at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Janpath, New Delhi. Organized by the International Centre for Cultural Studies (ICCS) and the Tatvam Foundation, in collaboration with IGNCA and the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the exhibition celebrates the ancient Siddham script, which holds great cultural and spiritual significance in India.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Prof. Shashibala, President of ICCS, along with Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of IGNCA, and Mr. Kim Jong Chul, President of the Garak Centre Clan Association from South Korea. Other important guests included Bhikshu Dowoong, founder of the Korea Sanskrita Shiksha Sansthanam (KSSS), and Buddhapala Bhante, President of the Korean Monastery in Gaya. An 80-member delegation from the Garak Centre Clan Association of South Korea also attended. The Garak Clan traces its roots to Princess Suriratna of Ayodhya, who traveled to Korea in 48 AD and married King Kim-Su-Ro of the Gaya Kingdom, becoming Queen Heo Hwang-ok. This connection highlights the long-standing cultural bond between India and Korea.
The exhibition, curated by Bhikshu Dowoong, features 120 beautiful Thanka calligraphy artworks in Korean and Devanagari scripts. Bhikshu Dowoong, a well-known Buddhist master from Korea, is an expert in multiple languages, including Sanskrit, Pali, Hindi, Korean, and Mandarin. He is also skilled in writing scripts such as Siddham, Devanagari, and Korean, making his calligraphy highly admired in both India and Korea. During the inauguration, Prof. Shashibala spoke about the historical and spiritual importance of Siddham calligraphy and its lasting influence on Buddhist traditions in Asia.
The Siddham script, which evolved from the ancient Brāhmī script, originated in India and helped spread knowledge across East Asia, especially in Korea and Japan, between the 6th and 8th centuries A.D. Today, the script is still found in Buddhist monasteries and museums around the world. The exhibition showcases its significance in Buddhist traditions, especially in Mantrayana, a branch of Buddhism that emphasizes the power of sacred chants. Famous Buddhist masters like Amoghavajra, Subhakarasimha, and Vajrabodhi used the Siddham script to write important spiritual texts, believing in its special spiritual power. Even today, Siddham calligraphy is used in Buddhist rituals across East Asia.
The exhibition offers several interesting experiences for visitors. It displays detailed Siddham calligraphy that beautifully captures the script’s artistic and spiritual essence. Rare historical manuscripts, such as copies of the Unisa Vijaya Dharani and Prajñāpāramitāhṛdayasūtra from Japan’s Horyuji Monastery, provide insights into the script’s history. Visitors can also join interactive workshops where experts demonstrate calligraphy techniques and share knowledge. Additionally, panel discussions by scholars explore the modern-day importance of Siddham in art and spirituality, promoting cultural understanding.
Dr. Joshi, quoting well-known Buddhist scholar Prof. Lokesh Chandra, said, “Siddham is not just a script; it represents the soul of a civilization and its values.” The exhibition also refers to historical writings by Alberuni in India and the Chinese traveler I-ching, highlighting how Siddham has been recognized worldwide. This event serves as a tribute to India’s cultural heritage and emphasizes the need to preserve ancient knowledge. By blending art, history, and spirituality, the exhibition helps visitors appreciate the long-lasting significance of the Siddham script.
The exhibition is open to the public until March 28, 2025, at the IGNCA premises. Scholars, art lovers, and spiritual seekers are invited to explore this extraordinary celebration of India’s artistic and cultural legacy. (PR)