The Heritage of BUDDHIST PALA ART

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Buddhist art was not created primarily for aesthetic considerations. Most of the works of art were devoted to the revealing of the divine personality of the gods and goddesses. The present book attempts to present a sketch of Buddha's life as well as well- known and important gods and goddess as represented in the art of eastern India of which the Pala art was an important product.

The present study will, it is hoped unfold many unknown facts of Pala art to students of art. Besides, some of the regional factors are found determining the art forms of the extensive region of eastern India where the Pala art made itself felt in a big way. An impetus was given to new iconographic forms, which influenced the Buddhist art of the neighbouring countries such as Nepal and also beyond, like Kashmir. Wherever possible, the degrees of correspondence between the textual descriptions and iconic representation have been duly noted.

The Heritage of Buddhist Pala Art, is thus an important step towards iconographic studies, is an expression of author's concern and appreciation for the traditional indigenous art. These works of art, devotion and faith, though deprived of their immediate context, make a significant contribution to the field of sculptural art of the last phase of Buddhist art in India. How passionately the author is involved in the subject, is clear from this book, which gives a deep insight into his pursuits. His detailed observation of progression in the creation of Buddhist works of art and richly/profusely illustrated plates help one to understand, recognize and experience them as the masterpieces of art and also as objects of everyday worship. The book is an attempt to explore new images, new forms and new icons and also understand them in their proper time and space contexts - pan-Indian and regional as well as pre-Pala scenario. Students, scholars and general readers will find this remarkable book of immense use.

About the Author

Dr Sudhakar Sharma is currently secretary in the Lalit Kala Akademi, a premier institution of the Government of India, concerned with promoting and projecting contemporary, Ancient, Tribal and Folk Art. In the discharge of his duties he has to play an active and significant role as an Art Administrator. Before joining the Lalit Kala Akademi, he served the national gallery of Modern Art and the National Museum. He has also been the recipient of the senior fellowship in the Visual Arts, awarded by the Department of Culture, Govt. of India, in the year 2000-02. He has traveled extensively and visited various museums, art galleries, and historical sites in different countries like UK, Australia, erstwhile USSR, Japan, Yugoslavia, Germany, the Netherlands, Singapore, Malaysia, Brazil, Ethiopia, UAE, Vietnam and Thailand, thus reinforcing his interest in art with personal Experience.

About this book
Preface
Acknowledgements
Scheme of Transliteration
Abbreviations
List of Figures

1. Introduction
   Subject
   Aims and Objectives
   Scope
   Source
   Previous Works : Limitations and Possibilities
   Geographical and Political Background
   Background of Buddhist Art from Sunga Period to Gupta Period
   Architecture
   Sculpture
2. Buddhist Art During the Pala Period
   Sculptures
   Bronzes
   Terracottas
   Coins
   Epigraphs
   Buddhist Monuments
   Monastic Architecture
   Little-Known Monasteries
3. Buddhist Icon in Art and Literature
   Various Forms of Buddha
   Life Scenes of Buddha
   Dhyani Buddhas
   Bodhisattivas
   Other Gods and Goddesses
   Votive Stupas
4. Tantric Deities
   Male Deities
   Female Deities
   
5. Decorative Motifs
6. Social and Economic Conditions of the Period as Reflected in Buddhist Sculptures
   Social Conditions
   Ornaments
   Economic Conditions
7. General Evaluation of Buddhist Pala Art
8. Conclusion - At a Glance

Glossary
Bibliography
Index

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