Buddhist Art: Sanchi to Early Mathura (2 Vols-Set)

Contents: Vol. I: Foreword. Preface. Introduction. 1. Genesis of the Stupa architecture. 2. Buddhist art towards symbolism (during 3rd Century BCE). 3. Buddhist art during 2nd century BCE to 1st Century BCE (with special reference to Sanchi Stupa No. II and Stupa of Bharhut). 4. Buddhist art of Sanchi Stupa No. I: sculptural assessment. 5. Beginning of Mathura art. 6. Transitional phase of Buddhist art between Sunga to Kusana period. 7. Development and transformation of Buddhist art from Sunga to Kusana period. Conclusion. Bibliography. Vol. II: List of Plates. Plates.

The present book “Buddhist Art: Sanchi to Early Mathura” deals with the development, adaptation and changes from Sunga art style forms (including the art style of Bharhut, Sanchi Stupa No. II and other contemporary sites) with special reference to Stupa No. I of Sanchi to early Kusana art of Mathura.

So far no serious research work has been conducted in this direction particularly on transitional phase of Sunga art to early Kusana art of Mathura, the present book will provide a insight in the development, transformation and evolution of Sunga art to Kusana art.

The objectives of the present book are to understand the following points:

1. Genesis of the Stupa architecture. 

2. Symbolism of Buddhist Art: (during 3rd Century BCE) Buddhist art: during 2nd BCE to 1st BCE 

3. Transitional phase of the Buddhist art between Sunga to Kusana period

4. Development and transformation of Buddhist art from Sunga to Kusana period

An in-depth study of early Buddhist art of Sanchi and Mathura in light of other centers and inscriptional evidences will certainly unfold the factors responsible for the growth, development and transformation of Buddhist sculptures in Mathura, Sanchi and elsewhere in the light of religious, political and administrative developments.

To meet the above objectives a detailed examination of all the facts available through various published sources in various fields of study have been collected and discussed, by diving the book into seven chapters. (jacket)