The Roots of South Asian Art (2 Vols-Set)

Contents: Vol. I: Preface. 1. Pre historic art. 2. Documentation of rock art. 3. Dating of rock art. 4. Rock paintings of Bhimbetka. 5. Rock paintings of central India. 6. Early Harappan painted potteries. 7. Decorated pottery of mature Harappan. 8. Sculptural art of Harappan. 9. Harappan terracotta art. 10. Harappan glyptic art of seals. 11. Minor arts and crafts of Harappans. Bibliography. Index.

Vol. II: Preface. 1. Mauryan art. 2. Buddhist monastery of Goshitaram. 3. Sculptural art of Kausambi. 4. Kusana art of Kausambi. 5. Terracotta art of Kausambi. 6. Classical art of Guptas. 7. Gupta terracotta art from Berhat. 8. Origin of metal images in South Asia. 9. Metal art of Gupta Vakataka. 10. Early metal art of Amaravati South India. 11. Metal art of Gandhara. 12. Art of Mehroli iron pillar of Chandra Gupta-II. 13. Early art of lower Doab. 14. Sculptural art of lower Doab. 15. Jaina art of lower Doab. 16. Bricks temple art of lower Doab. Bibliography. Index.

This book The Roots of South Asian Art is a joint work of D.P. Sharma and Madhuri Sharma. The book covers art history of south Asia from upper Paleolithic to early historic period. Roots of South Asian art exist in lower traditions of South Asia since Harappan age circa 2700-2000 B.C. and these roots developed in higher traditions of art from 3rd c B.C. onwards. Mother Goddess worship began during circa 20000 B.P. and developed during Harappan, Chalcolithic and Megalithic ages. From 3rd c BC onward it developed into higher tradition of art like Sakti cult of Hindu religion. During early centuries the worship of Mother Goddess was also inherited by other religions. The seated male torso of Harappan age of lower tradition developed into the Yogic figures of higher tradition of early historic period. The stone male torsos discovered from Harappa (c. 2600 B.C.) and Lohanipur (circa 3rd c B.C.) show continuous development in style between lower and higher traditions Pasupati Siva and Siva Linga of Harappan art of lower tradition developed in the from of Siva cult of Hindu religion during early historic period. Wheel symbol Chakra stone pillar model of animal capital top existed in Harappan age of lower tradition and these motifs of art developed completely in Mauryan age 3rd c BC) of higher tradition of South Asian art. (jacket)