The Abode of Mahashiva : Cults and Symbology in Jaunsar-Bawar in the Mid Himalayas/Madhu Jain. New Delhi, 1995, 199 p., 31 plates, $23. ISBN 81-7387-030-6.
Contents: Preface. Introduction/O.C. Handa. I. Socio-Cultural Geography: 1. Socio-cultural mosaic. 2. Geographical setting. II. Socio-religious system through the ages. 3. The cults: 1. Evolution of tribal cults. 2. Cults of Devi. 3. Cult of Mahasu. 4. Cult of Rudra. 5. Vajrayana Buddhism. 6. Cults of Shiva. 7. Cult of Yogeshwara and Natraja. IV. The symbology: 1. Traditional symbols and their characteristic significance. 2. Classical Hindu symbols and evolution of their characteristics in the tribal context. 3. Buddhist symbols and evolution of their characteristics in the tribal context. 4. Interfusion of tribal and classical symbols. V. Aesthetic evaluation of the symbols: 1. Formal characters. 2. Linear characters. 3. Spatial characters. 4. Composite characters. 5. Chromatic symbols. VI. Conclusion. Bibliography. Index.
"In the present study, the cultic manifestations of Mahashiva with its complex structure of symbology have been discovered and analysed in a broader spatio-temporal format. Besides this, other cults, antiquated and living, have also been critically studied.
"It is hoped that the present study will go a long way in enhancing our knowledge about the cultural traditions of this remote central Himalayan segment and significantly contribute towards the better understanding of the people of this region and their socio-cultural traditions in a more objective manner. This book is the first ever work on the religio-cultural systems and their aesthetic manifestations. It is hoped that it will pave way for further research on this region in the coming days." (jacket)