West Asian and Hellenistic Elements in Indian Art (300 BC-300 AD)

Contents: Introduction. 1. Transformation of nature in Indian art: its meaning and examples. 2. West Asian and Hellenistic Elements in Mauryan art and architecture. 3. Transformation of Honeysuckle/Palmette, tree of life and Lion motif in Mauryan art. 4. Fabulous animal motifs in Sunga and Kushan art. 5. Greco-Roman elements in Gandhara art. 6. Narratives in Greco-Roman art and Gandhara art. 7. Conclusion. Appendix. Bibliography. Index. 

This is a comprehensive and critical study of West Asian and Greco-Roman elements in Indian art and their transformation. It presents various motifs or elements belonging to the West Asian and Greco-Roman world that were introduced in the art of the Indian subcontinent over time and the manner in which they underwent changes. The motifs include the faunal and floral symbols of the honeysuckle, lion, winged animals, drapery and coiffeurs, geometric and architectural motifs. With over 240 photographs as well as maps and drawings, it discusses how the motifs were taken by the Mauryans, the Sungas, the Kushansa and other dynasties and were transformed for use in architecture especially the pillar designs, sculptures, terracotta, costumes/drapery, Jewellery and depiction of the physiognomy of human figures such as of the Buddha and the bodhisattvas. It includes a detailed study of the Gandhara art particularly its motifs and narratives.