Art and Architecture of Jharkhand

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The book Art and Architecture of Jharkhand is the first attempt of its kind unraveling the vast sculptural and architectural store house lying hitherto almost unnoticed in the sprawling region of Jharkhand. Efforts have been made in this work to focus the regional character of the sculptures. Critical assessment of art forms have also been given. The study also provides an integrated account of sculptural material and also of temples of the state in a single volume in a coherent manner. The artists of Jharkhand did not blandly imitiate proto-type of their neighbouring state rather they added new indigenous elements. They succeeded in expressing their own ideas and taste through the execution of details. They retained their individuality in terms of indigenous culture, religious beliefs and geographical traits. Sculptures belonging to Jharkhand areas other than the black stone images do not belong to the Pala school of sculpture. A distinct local style parallel to the Pala School can be seen from the areas of Jharkhand.

The earliest evidence of temple architecture in the state goes back to 5th- 6th cen. C.E... Benisagar in West Singhbhum district provided the only evidence of panchayatan temple complex in the region. The work also furnishes some clue in understanding the regional variants traced at several places. Apart from existing temples and temple remains some recently excavated temple remains have also been incorporated in this study. In general appearance stone temples of this region resemble temples of Odisha. But local artists developed their own skill for planning and building temples. The temples of Jharkhand show more individuality in their design and style. On the whole, the present book gives a detailed and analytical account of sculptural and architectural wealth of Jharkhand

C.P. Sinha, Former Director of K.P. Jayaswal Research Institute, Patna is an eminent Art Historian and Indologist. Dr. Sinha has many academic distinctions to his credit. He is Advisor, Indian Art History congress and was President of the Bihar Puravid Parishad. He is recipient of Senior Academic Fellowship from Indian Council of Historical Research, New Delhi. He has authored several books, edited more than 35 volumes on art, archaeology and culture. He has also contributed 246 research papers on different aspects of art and iconography in reputed journals which are known for their authenticity. Some of his well acclaimed works are: Early Sculpture of Bihar (1980), Prachin Bhartiya Abhilekhiki Evam Lipi (1975), Jharkhand ke Pramukh Shaiva Mandir (2014), Pre-history and Protohistory of Jharkhand with Arbindo Singha Roy (2018), Art and Archaeology in Bihar (2018), Bihar Pride of India and the World (2020).

The present work was started nearly twelve years ago. Various professional obligations held me back from finishing it in due time. Apart from this, several areas of the state are naxal affected and therefore, I could not visit them earlier. Recently in the final stage of writing I have tried as far as possible to update the information. Materials from some of the sites recently excavated have also been included in this work.

It is my great privilege to record my gratitude to various writers from whose writings I have benefitted. I would be failing in my duty if I do not thank the Indian Council of Historical Research, New Delhi for having awarded me Senior Academic Fellowship which had enabled me to commence the work. Professor (Dr.) Kameshwar Prasad, former Head of Department of History, Patna University, Patna especially deserves my gratitude for meticulously going through the entire manuscript and providing excellent suggestions. My thanks are also due to Dr Umesh Chandra Dwivedi, former Director, Museums, Bihar for his professional help and useful suggestions. He also accompanied me during my visit to Patkum Museum at Chandil I am very much obliged to Dr. Harendra Prasad Sinha, former Deputy Director, Culture, Jharkhand He extended all possible help to me in collecting materials from various sites. My special thanks are also due to late Dr. (Smt.) Nutan Sinha and late Dr. Kumar Anand who accompanied me during my first visit to temples at Dueri, Haradih and various other sites such as Harin, Dimbu Jardha etc. I am also indebted to the Superintending Archaeologist, ASI, Ranchi Circle and Superintending Archaeologist, ASI, Excavation Branch III, Patna and Curator of State Museum, Ranchi who extended generous permission to study the excavated materials and sculptures. My thanks are also due to Sri Arvind Kumar, Smt. Sunita Bharati and Dr. Arbinda Singh Roy for their kind help and useful suggestions.

In the last but not the least, it is my duty to express my gratitude to my wife Dr. (Mrs.) Pushpa Sinha and my both daughters Dr. (Mrs.) Sujata Sinha and Mrs. Pallavi Sinha for their unfailing cooperation and share their time to carve this book in present form. Sri Rakesh Ranjan of Impression Publication, Patna deserves all credit for composing the entire manuscript. I am thankful to Sri Praveen Mittal, Proprietor of B.R. Publishing Corporation, Delhi for taking keen interest in the publication of the work.

Jharkhand state is known for its heavily forested hills, abundant wild life, enchanting rivers and majestic waterfalls Numerous species of flora and fauna have made their house here. As a matter of fact the history and culture of Jharkhand region is very much influenced by its physical features, environment and land forms. It is the result of that long living tradition of history, culture and civilization that has survived in the region since time immemorial Many anthropologists believe that the Chotanagpur plateau was one of the places linked to the evolution of homo sapiens since long Men in prehistoric times found this region convenient for their habitation. It is one of the richest zones from archaeological point of view. This area is endowed with prehistoric sites from the lower Palaeolithic phase up to the Neolithic phase The early people lived in natural and sometimes in man made rock shelters where their relics in the form of stone tools and paintings have been discovered. Some of the major issues of cultural development are centred around them The state of Jharkhand is an important multi ethnic state and predominately a tribal area Even today the tribal population comprises 28 percent. But the vibrant culture of the state is highly influenced both by tribal and non-tribal people.

Although Jharkhand became a part of the Magadhan empire, but culturally this region remained isolated for a long time during the historical period Each region has made its own contribution in the field of art and architecture. Likewise Jharkhand has its own importance.

This is the first attempt of its kind unravelling the vast sculptural and architectural store house lying hitherto almost unnoticed in the sprawling region of Jharkhand. This attempt cannot claim to be the last work on the subject because much of its vast area still remains unexplored. A further study may unfold new sites and findings Of late there has been a great stress and rightly so on the study of the regional history in all its aspects including architecture, art and iconography.

Like other parts of the country the Jharkhand region as well had numerous temples existing within its limits. But unfortunately most of the temples have been completely destroyed. Still whatever remains do exist, they speak of their architectural importance and sculptural adornments.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages