The Iconography of Hāritī In Early Medieval Bengal: From Demoness To Maternal Protector Of Children

ABSTRACT: This paper examines the iconography of the Buddhist goddess Hāritī in Early Medieval Bengal, focusing on her transformation from a demoness preying on children to a revered protector of offspring. Based on sculptural evidence from Southeast Bengal, the study adopts a visual-analytical approach to explore Hāritī’s form, attributes, gestures, and symbolic motifs. These features are contextualized within the broader Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna Buddhist traditions, highlighting the socio-religious and devotional factors that influenced her depiction. Key iconographic elements, including the presence of children, cornucopia, and protective gestures, reveal evolving perceptions of maternal care and moral order in the local religious consciousness. Comparative analysis with contemporary Indian and Nepalese representations indicates both regional variations and shared tantric symbolism, illustrating how Early Medieval Bengal integrated broader Buddhist conventions while expressing its own artistic and devotional identity. The study argues that Hāritī’s transformation reflects more than aesthetic change; it embodies shifting religious narratives that incorporated formerly malevolent figures into the moral and spiritual framework of society. By examining these sculptural representations, this research contributes to understanding the role of female deities, the interplay between fear and protection, and the dynamics of regional artistic expression in Early Medieval Bengal. The findings underscore Hāritī’s enduring significance as a maternal and protective figure within Bengal’s Buddhist artistic and devotional landscape. KEYWORDS: Hāritī, Buddhist Iconography, Early Medieval Bengal, Female Deities, Mahāyāna Buddhism, Vajrayāna Buddhism, Sculptural Analysis, Maternal Protection, Southeast Bengal.