

Ghanti, second half of 19th century
North India
Brass
North India
Brass
H. 12 in. (30.5 cm), Diam. 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm)
The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889 (89.4.154)
The handle of this bell consists of a finely wrought figure of Hanuman, the monkey general who, in Hindu mythology, led the army that helped Rama rescue his wife, Sita, from Ravana. The body of the bell is richly engraved with additional figures and floral designs. Priests use ghanti of different sizes to worship and pay homage to a god. This worship may occur in a temple or privately at home before the household shrine.







