South Indian Bronze Figure of Seated Hindu Goddess Saraswati Antique 19th C

A 19th century, possibly 18th century, South Indian bronze figure of a seated Saraswati (Sanskrit: सरस्वती, International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration : Sarasvatī) is the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, art, wisdom, and learning.She is a part of the trinity (Tridevi) of Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati.

In this lovely small bronze figurine she is depicted sitting cross legged on a short throne, she is wearing a tall crown, Keedam or Mukut. In her right hang she is holding a  mālā (rosary, garland), and her left a water pot. The water pot which represents the purifying power to separate right from wrong, the clean from the unclean, and essence from the inessential. In some texts, the pot of water is symbolism for soma – the drink that liberates and leads to knowledge.

In the Hindi language, her name is written Hindi: सरस्वती. In the Telugu, Sarasvati is also known as Chaduvula Thalli (చదువుల తల్లి) and Shārada (శారద). In Konkani, she is referred to as Shārada, Veenapani, Pustakadhārini, Vidyadāyini. In Kannada, variants of her name include Sharade, Sharadamba, Vāni, Veenapani in the famous Sringeri temple. In Tamil, she is also known as Kalaimagal (கலைமகள்), Kalaivāni (கலைவாணி), Vāni (வாணி) and Bharathi. She is also addressed as Sāradā (the one who offers sāra or the essence), Shāradā (the one who loves the autumn season), Veenā-pustaka-dhārini (the one holding books and a Veena), Vāgdevi, Vāgishvari, (both meaning "goddess of speech"), Vāni (speech), Varadhanāyaki (the one bestowing boons), Sāvitri (consort of Brahma), Gāyatri (mother of Vedas). Hindi language information courtesy of Wikipedia.

It is in excellent antique condition with just a bend to the front right of the base and a small loss to the rear, possibly a casting flaw from manufacture.

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Overall height 3 5/8 inches ( 9.2 cm)
Depth 1 5/8 inches ( 4.2 cm)
Width 1 7/8 inches ( 4.7 cm)
Weight 326 grammes unpacked