Vaishnavism : An Iconographic Study, Vols. I and II

Contents: Vol. I. Text: Preface. Abbreviations. 1. Introduction. 2. Vaishnava images in the Cave and structural temples of Maharashtra. 3. Historical development of Vaisnavism revealed through iconography. 4. Vaishnava cults. 5. Conclusion. Glossary. Bibliography. Index.

Vol. II. Plates.

"Iconography as a key to trace the socio-religious changes has been attempted successfully by some eminent scholars like Dr. R. Champaklakshmi, Dr. Haripriya Rangarajan etc.

The present volume is in alignment with such efforts and yet stands distinctive as it tries to probe into the question of amalgamation of various incoming trends for shaping the sectarian scenario as revealed through iconographic developments.

The study is confined to the Marathi speaking region and pertains to the time span up to early 14 c. C.E. The present work enfolds art historical development of all the major and minor forms of Vishnu, Vaishnava goddesses and other subsidiary divinities of the pantheon along with the syncretistic images. The cult of Vithoba as Vaishnava sect forms the major subject matter of some of the earlier works, has been analyzed here in relationship with the other forms of Vishnu. Identification and development of the cult of Kevala Narasimha is one of the focal points of the work.

As a leading book providing a wholistic view of the cultic development, this work is indispensable to scholars and students alike." (jacket)