Contents: Preface. 1. Historical development of Buddhism. 2. Buddhist architecture forms. 3. Earliest Buddhist art and architecture. 4. Early Mahayana monastic institutions transitional phase. 5. Mahayana Buddhist art and Saint philosophers. 6. Medieval monastic institutions. 7. Tantric Pitha Uddiyana. 8. Buddhist bronzes. 9. Interaction between Buddhist and Brahmanical art. Bibliography. Index.

Buddhism, one of the most important religious movements of ancient civilization had profoundly affected the religious and moral ideas and acted as a catalytic factor in transforming the then socio-cultural order. Based on the cardinal principles of kindness, humanity and equality the popular faith had built up solid background in literature, philosophy, art and architecture, Iconography as well as in social and educational systems. The liberal religion threw its door open to the people irrespective of sects and castes and found general acceptance in the society. The vast mass of art and architecture built up during a span of about1500 years (from the time of the Buddha till about 10th/11th century A.D.). In India and simultaneously in several Asian countries not only attracted the converted Buddhists and general mass but also became the eminent centers of pilgrimage. Buddhist art being the earliest art in historic India greatly influenced its  art heritage. Architect and artist groups being the same, their style of execution was more or less similar though the art idiom and iconographic features differed from pantheon to pantheon.

The book Buddhist Art of Orissa presents in lucid style the Buddhist art and architecture of the state that emerged and developed here from the time of Ashok 3rd century B.C. till about 11th century A.D. showing the gradual evolution of peculiar Mahayanic and Vajrayanic sculptures, bronze icons of typical varieties with exquisite workmanship and magnificent monastic institutions colossal stupas enshrined with befitting icons. (jacket)