Hindu Gods: Digitized by Oxford University

Digitized Kalighat paintings from 19th century Calcutta, @Bodleian Library, University of Oxford, 2015[/caption]

The University of Oxford has digitized at least 100 paintings of Hindu gods that were made in the 19th century as cheap souvenirs for tourists at the Temple of Kali in Calcutta.

You can now see them at the Unviersity's Digital Bodleian site.

Among the images you will see are Kali, the Hindu goddess of creativity and fertility;  Krishna, the popular God who is considered one of the most powerful incarnations of Vishnu; Shiva, the destroyer; and Durga, the invincible goddess who symbolizes freedom from evil.

You can create collections and download the images once you create an account. The images are stunning and might make for a great teaching tool when studying Hinduism.

You can also look at the University's other collections, which include Greek manuscripts, Burmese Life and Devotion, and Egypt in the 19th century.

Below, you can see Ganesh, one of the most popular Hindu gods and most recognizable because of his elephant form. He is known as a master of intellect and wisdom.

Digitized Kalighat paintings from 19th century Calcutta, @Bodein Library, Universiy of Oxford

Thanks to Interfaith Matters (@__Interfaith__) for tweeting the link.