Art and Architecture : Remains in the Western Terai Region of Nepal

Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Geography and history. 3. Excavation and exploration. 4. Identification. 5. Art. 6. Architecture. 7. Summary and conclusions. Bibliography. Appendices. Glossary. Index.

"Terai region of Lumbini Zone situated between Narayani and Rapti rivers is an important site for the Buddhist as well as Archaeologist. This region was associated with the Sakyas and Koliya at Kapilvastu and Ramagrama (Devadaha) respectively in ancient period. Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha, Kapilvastu, capital town of Sakyas, Ramagrama (Devadaha), maternal house of Buddha, and other ancient archaeological sites are located in this region. This book throws light on history, archaeological sites, identification of ancient Buddhist sites, especially Lumbini, Kapilvastu and Ramagrama, art, architecture and touristic importance of the region. The book contains geography and history of the region in brief and excavated and explored sites from where a number of art-remains has been obtained in course of archaeological activities. In the fourth chapter various Buddhist texts, excavated reports, versions of eminent scholars and Chinese account have been discussed to identify the ancient capital town of Kapilvastu. The evidences suggested that this region along with some portion of North-India, including Ganawaria and Piparahawa, had been a part of the ancient Kapilvastu. In the fifth chapter, the art-remains, viz. stone sculptures, other stone objects, humans and animals terracotta figurines, other terracotta objects, seals and sealings, coins, potteries etc. are incorporated. The result of the analysis of terracotta figurines has been incorporated here, highlighting the origin, typology and stylistic evolution of the principal forms, their techniques and contexts. This helps us to place the changing art forms and style from the pre-Mauryan to Pala-Sena periods in proper perspective. The earliest figurines are related to the female group. Terracotta trading and industries associated with them were similar to the contemporaneous sites in North-India, specially Hastinapur, Ahichchhatra, Kausambi, Taxila, Sohagaura and Arikamedu. On the basis of these sites relative dating has been adopted in the region. Pottery of various traditions, e.g. P.G.W., N.B.P. and Red wares were also discovered which helped us in fixing the chronology.

The book goes into a deep study of archaeological sites and art-remains which helps for preservation and conservation to the authorities in future. Photographs, drawings and maps have been included to make the volume more authentic, informative and attractive." (jacket)