Buddhist Monuments of Sirpur
Contents: Acknowledgements. Preface. List of figures. List of plates. 1. Introduction. 2. Life of Buddha. 3. Buddhism in Daksina-Kosala. 4. Architecture. 5. Buddhist monuments at Sirpur. 6. Buddhist art at Sirpur. Appendices. Glossary. Bibliography. Index. Plates.
The book deals about the Buddhist monuments unearthed from excavations at Sirpur. So far ten Buddhist monasteries have been exposed which include from the simple one to lavishly caved double story structures indicating that right from 6th century A.D. onwards Sirpur had a rich Buddhist culture flourishing alongwith Jaina and Brahmanical cultures. It is clear that Sirpur was a great educational centre where students from even south-eastern countries studied Buddhism. Most of the Viharas got financial grants from the rulers who were Hindus.
The book also deals about the Stupa built by Asoka in honour of Buddha who visited Sirpur in 6th century B.C.
In brief, it also gives glimpse of Buddha through photographs of sculptures recovered from the excavation. For reader’s benefit iconographical identification marks of Buddhist gods and goddesses have been given in appendix. The book will be beneficial to both scholars and students. (jacket)
