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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 diving 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 Indian of which the Pala art was the important product.
A study of Avalokitesvara, Vajrapani and Maitreya, who are most frequently represented in the Pala school of art, has also been taken up. 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.
The Heritage of the 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 observations of progression in the creation of Buddhist works of art and richly / profusely illustrated plates help us once again to understand, recognize and experience them as the masterpiece of art, which they technically are and also as objects of everyday worship. Students, scholars and general readers will find this remarkable book of immense use in the study of Pala art.
Heritage of Buddhist Pala Art, Sudhakar Sharma, Aryan Books International, 2004, Hardcover, 289 pages, $120.00
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