Art Shrines of Ancient India
Contents: Preface. Rough location of temples and archaeological sites dealt with in this book (map). 1. Introduction: Indian art through the ages : periods and places of Indian art. 2. Sarnath: where Buddha preached his first sermon. 3. Sanchi: sublimity in stone. 4. Kanchipuram: the golden girdle of Goddess Kamakshi. 5. Mamallapuram: monumental monoliths of Mamalla. 6. Temple of Chamba. 7. Aihole: the artless art of Chalukyas. 8. Badami: the bastion of Chalukyan splendour. 9. Pattadakkal: plastic figures in pillars and panels. 10. Elephanta: epiphany of Indian genius. 11. Ellora: eulogy to divinity. 12. Ajanta: the attic of Buddhist art. 13. Nalanda: nerve centre of Buddhist learning. 14. Konarak: Kalinga art at its zenith. 15. Halebid: the hallmark of Hoysala art. 16. Belur: beautiful ballerinas in stone. 17. Khajuraho: the silver-laden city of the Chandellas. 18. Suchindram: the sanctuary of Sthanunatha. 19. Mandu: myths and memories of Malwa. 20. Madurai: majestic monument to mellifluous Meenakshi. 21. Chittor: courage and chivalry. 22. Mount Abu: the mansion of marble magic. Appendices: Explanatory note on the appendices. 1. Siva Sakti theme in ancient Indian art. 2. Homage to the sun in ancient Indian art. 3. Art in modern India. Index.
"Art shrines of ancient India deals with the art treasures of selected archaeological sites in the various states of India.
The sites dealt with are: Sarnath, Sanchi, Kanchipuram, Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), temples of Chamba, Aihole, Badami, Pattadakkal, Elephanta, Ellora, Ajanta, Nalanda, Konarak, Halebid, Belur, Khajuraho, Suchindram, Mandu, Madurai, Chittor and Mount Abu.
Profusely illustrated, the book peeps into the historical and mythological past of each site and evaluates the artistic contributions of the various ruling dynasties: the Mauryas, the Sungas, the Guptas, the Pallavas, the Chalukyas, the Rashtrakutas, the Palas, the Senas, the Gangas, the Cholas, the Hoysalas, the Chandellas, the Pandyas and the Nayaks.
The book also deals with the Siva-Sakti theme and homage to the sun in the art of ancient India and indicates how these are depicted in the various temples of India.
This book will be an invaluable guide to all tourists, especially foreigners and non-resident Indians, who want to savour, in a short time, the rich artistic heritage displayed in the famous temples and archaeological sites in India." (jacket)
