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Power of the Female...
Power of the Female
Devangana Sculptures on Hindu Temple Architecture by: Gauri Parimoo KrishnanSculptures of numerous engaging devanganas the surasundari, apsaras and alasakanya figures decorate walls, ceilings and doorways of classical structures in India. The book offers dynamic meanings of these figures in religious and cultural consciousness of India and how they symbolize and illustrate the power of the female in Indian traditions.
$120.00
ISBN: 9788124606872
Year Of Publication: 2014
Edition: 1st
Pages : xxvi, 474 p
Bibliographic Details : 267 b/w photographs; Appendix; Bibliography; Glossary
Language : English
Binding : Hardcover
Publisher: D.K. Printworld Pvt. Ltd.
Size: 29
Weight: 2500
This book is an offering to New Art History taking the study of Indian classical sculptural art and traditional Indian iconography to newer heights of interpretation. Sculptures of female figures in classical Indian architectural traditions have enjoyed a special placement and significance. Numerous engaging images of devanganas the surasundari, apsaras and alasakanya figures decorate walls, ceilings and doorways of Hindu temples in India. Viewing the devangana sculptures as a continuation of the yaksi sculptures of Buddhist and Jaina monuments and the concept of primordial mother goddesses of the Vedic times, this challenging work on the devangana sculptures studies the morphology, iconology and semiotic meanings of the devangana figures and their placement in monuments of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh between the eighth and twelfth centuries ce.
In a path-breaking effort, the work focuses not on the much-discussed erotic and sexual connotations but explores their dynamic meanings in the religious and cultural consciousness which help to symbolise ßthe power of the femaleû in representational artistic traditions of India. For this, copious architectural and religious texts are examined. With more than 250 illustrations of temple sites and detailed sculptures, this book enquires into the imagery of these figures. A significant aspect of the research is its critiquing of the existing literature on the subject to come up with novel viewpoints and use of tools like dhvani theory, psychoanalysis and feminism to interpret the devangana sculptures.
The book will benefit young researchers, cultural enthusiasts and erudite scholars of Indian art and architecture focused on religious and cultural significance of Indias sculptural heritage.
Foreword by Kapila Vatsyayan
Acknowledgement
List of Photographs
1. Introduction
2. A Medieval Historical Backdrop
3. Apsaras Imagery from Sanskrit and Prakrit Sources
4. Weaving the Architectural Fabric: Morphology of Architectural Style and Placement of Devangana Sculptures
5. Devangana Sculpture Image Study I:
Emergence and Evolution of Individual Motif Types
6. Devangana Sculpture Image Study II: Post-Gupta and Medieval Devanganas
7. Medieval Western Indian Sculpture: Modelling the Medieval Form and Style
8. Iconological and Semiotic Interpretation of the Devangana Motif
Appendix
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
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Across the South of Asia $57.00
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This collection of essays invites readers to take a broad view of South Asian art and culture by providing a wide geographic and chronological scope. The articles are united only by their focus on art historical and archaeological concerns and their concentration on South Asia ranging from Afghanistan to the island kingdoms of Indonesia. Each essay on its own constitutes a solid, well-grounded academic study, but taken collectively they provide a wide and inclusive view of issues of art and material culture that span the region and invite comparison.
By taking this approach, this volume is a tribute to Prof. Robert L. Brown whose lifetime of teaching has always emphasized connections as well as differences. Over his professional career, he has trained a large cohort of students (many of whom are contributors to this volume) whose expertise truly does reach across the south of Asia. -
Temples in India (PB) $20.00
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Artisans and Craftsmen of Northern India $40.00
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Unluckly there was no proper institutionalized provision for the education of artisans and craftsmen, so generally the former adopted the occupation of their parents and hereditary skill was enhances as it was transferred from father to son, and generation to generation. Contemporary sources reveal that the social stautus of artisan class was based on the nature and economic conditions of a particular profession. -
Bachpan-Childhood $20.00
In the life of a human being the most sweet and memorable part is its childhood, say from its second year till its seventh or eighth. During this time the child is very innocent, full of life, playful, has no responsibility or worry, and when in fear or pain it calls its mother and she is there ever ready to protect it. It understands no restriction and has freedom to go and talk to anybody in the house. It does not know how to hate anyone — in fact, it is like the manifestation of the ever-gracious divinity in the world. A child is loved, respected and even adored.
This book is a small attempt to express the love, affection and feelings towards children. In Hindu pantheon the only divine family having children is that of Shiva and Parvati or Uma. Through pleasing illustrations, another made-for-each-other couple — the Kogatas — have touched upon the various facets in the life of the divine chidren — Ganesha and Karttikeya — together with their doting parents. The delightful verses add sweetness and charm to the book.
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Elements of Indian Art $40.00
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