Tantra: Enlightenment to Revolution offers a compelling insight into a movement that has influenced and intrigued the world for more than a millennium. It accompanies a major exhibition at the British Museum, exploring masterpieces of sculpture, painting, prints and ritual objects from the 8th century ce to the present, not only from India, but also from Nepal, Tibet, China, Japan, UK and the US.
This book introduces the philosophies of Tantra, and traces the history and impact of the Tantric movement from its origins, major beliefs and artistic expressions, to its spread around the globe. The Tantras are sacred manuscripts offering rituals for attracting spiritual, worldly or supernatural powers. Emerging from around the 6th century ce, they radically transformed India's religious, cultural and political landscape. Focusing on the power of fierce gods and goddesses, these ancient texts reveal the meditational and philosophical practices of Tantric Hinduism and Buddhism. Tantric rituals centre around yoga, self-deification, sexual rites and the consumption of intoxicants. The book also explores the misrepresentation of Tantra - particularly its redefinition and adoption by Western popular culture during the 1960s - and its continued relevance in India and throughout the world.
