She gave an unsteady chuckle. "Or in any Christian church. Why do Indians put such things in their sacred places?"
"I'm no theologian, but I think it's fair to say that westerners try to rise above the limitations of the body, to deny the needs of the flesh and become as close to pure spirit as possible," Ian said thoughtfully. "But many Hindus celebrate the body, believing that erotic energies are one way of seeking the divine—the joining of male and female is a symbol of the union of man and God. It's very different from the western religious tradition, but makes sense its own terms."
Laura nodded slowly. "The carvings were exquisite, and there was a... a sweetness about them, a sense of peace. Though I still can't imagine them in Surrey." Her brows drew together. "Yet some Hindu practices, like burning widows, are appalling. Do they also make sense in their own terms?"
Ian shrugged. "I wouldn't want to try to explain that. But I've observed a pervasive sense of spirituality in Indian life that is stronger than anything I've seen in Europe."
"How did you come to learn so much about Indian religion?"
"I made a conscious study of it. As an officer, I had to command troops of all the major Indian religious groups, and I don't think it's possible to lead men well without understanding what they believe in, and what they value."
"Are all British army officers like you?"
"The good ones are. Unfortunately, there are some who look upon all natives as ignorant blackamoors." Ian frowned. "When I was a griffin, fresh off the boat, an old major told me that things were better in the old days. Officers and men spent more time together, which led to better understanding. But more and more, the British are withdrawing into private enclaves. The major predicted that if things don't change, the Sirkar will live to regret it. Indians will loyally serve men they respect, but they have too much pride to let fools treat them as inferiors."
"The major may have had a point," Laura admitted. "But then, old men always think things were better when they were young. The Company puts a great deal of thought into training administrators—making sure they speak the languages, know the law and customs. That's why my father spent years teaching in Haileybury. And don't army officers have to pass language exams before they can command native troops?"
"True, but language is only the beginning of understanding." Ian smiled reminiscently. "When I took the examination for Persian, they thought I'd cheated because I didn't make any errors. I was almost thrown out of Addiscombe before I could explain that I'd lived in Persia as a boy." He got to his feet and picked up one of the lanterns. "I'll go retrieve your shotgun. Do you want to go with me so you can see more of the temple?"
Laura shook her head. "I think I've had enough adventure for one day.''The Lord of the Dance was an image she would never forget; she had no need to see him again.
She leaned back against the boulder and fanned herself with her topi while her husband was gone. The mere thought of her response to the erotic sculptures made her face hot. If she had any refinement at all, she would have swooned instead of staring. And how could she have been so lost to propriety as to ask Ian about the size of male organs? Thank heaven he was unshockable.
She should have known that the size was exaggerated, for she had seen other statues of naked males, in both Italy and India. The reproductive organs had always been much smaller than what was depicted in the temple. She was grateful that her stepfather had thought it more important to show her great art than to shield her from improper sights. A pity that her wits had been so disordered that she had blurted out her embarrassing question.
Before she could berate herself further, Ian returned. As he helped Laura to her feet, he said, "Shall we report the location of the temple to the authorities?"
She regarded him thoughtfully. "You wouldn't ask that unless you didn't want to report it."
"The temple has kept its mystery for centuries," he said obliquely. "It seems a pity to betray it to the modern world. But you're the one who found it, so it's your decision."
Laura bit her lip as she gazed back toward the temple. Even though she was within a dozen feet, the entrance was invisible. Remembering the sense of holiness inside, she said, "Without priests and worshipers, this temple might turn into nothing more than a sight for curiosity seekers. Let's leave it to its peace. If the Lord of the Dance wishes to be rediscovered, he'll lead someone else here."
As they made their way back to their horses, Laura smiled to herself. While she could accept that erotic sculptures might be spiritual symbols, there had been nothing at all spiritual about her reaction. But the experience had been—educational. Even if the sculptor had exaggerated.