Buddhist Iconography in Bihar (A.D. 600-1200)

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About The Book

In the present work Dr. Jayadeva Mishra has utilized the archaeological and literacy sources material bearing on the topic. He has made on the spot study at several sites in Bihar, which have yielded Buddhist figures in stone, bronzed and clay. Although, Buddhist art had grown in the area of Bihar before C. 600 A.D., it was during the period between 600 and 1200 A.D. that its all round development took place at sites like Nalanda, Kurkihara. Bodh Gaya, Vikramsila, Tirabhukti, (Mithila and Vaishali) and several sites of Bihar. In this connection Dr. Mishra has made a meticulous study on the origin and development of Buddhist pantheon of Bihar and has also dealt with that of Nepal where ever it is found relevant. He has also dealt very clearly about the emanations of various Dhyani Buddha and Bodhisattvas which is a very interesting subject to deal with the scholar has well explained the subject based on the various traditional beliefs and ideas. Dr. Mishra has dealt with the evolution of Buddhist iconography in Bihar in a coherent way. He has clearly indicated the role of Mahayana and Tantrayana in the formation of the Post Gupta Buddhist Pantheon. The nature of the syncretic and other images has also been clearly defined.

It is for the first time that a detailed and up to dated study of the subject has been presented here. The conclusion arrived at by Dr. Mishra are sound and indicate its acumen. The documentation is to the mark at high standard.

About the Author

Dr. Jayadeva Mishra has put in about three decades of teaching experience in the Post Graduate Department of Ancient Indian History & Archaeology, Patna University. He published 12 books, 125 research papers and review articles. He has also edited research volumes. He is former University Librarian & Director of the Institute of Library and Information Science, elected member of Academic Council and Senate of Patna University. He is active & life member of various National & International Institutes and presides various seminars, conferences & workshops. He is honoured by different agencies of India and abroad.

Preface

The present book entitled Buddhist Iconography in Bihar: A.D. 600-1200 is an embodiment of my Ph.D. thesis submitted to the Faculty of Social Sciences (History) of Patna University. It critically studies the Buddhist deities of Bihar. It illustrates themes of Buddhist learning and there centres characteristic of culture, region and its style which developed under socio-economic milieu of the period under review. Essential purpose of this book is to relate the presentation of presentation of Buddhist Culture of Bihar. In treatment of the early medieval period of Indian history is determined as a cultural crossroad where various influences mingled together, coalesced and persisted with continuity up to a long time. There is no hesitation in stating the fact that this iconographical approach of the Buddhist pantheon is in many respects exploratory. Complex art forms examined in course of the study of Buddhist iconography of Bihar mark a distinct contribution of Bihar based artisans to Indian Buddhist Iconography.

In accomplishing this most dear subject I have got help and co-operation from a variety of agencies and persons to whom I am deeply indebted.

I express my gratefulness to Dr. Yogendra Mishra (Formerly Professor and Head of the Department of History, Patna University) for his good wishes and searching inquires whenever I approached him with any problem.

Introduction

Sources and Method

According to literary and Archaeological sources ancient Bihar was the Land of Buddhist Art and Iconography. So long as Buddhism was the religion of the masses, from Iconographic Point of view it achieved a fusion of anthropomorphic and abstract elements which fulfilled the aesthetic requirements of the literate and illiterate social groups in Bihar. In consonance with social and religions changes iconographic characteristics of Buddhist deities presented a panorama of pantheon during the period. Buddhist images became ideal vehicles of representation of socio-religious acculturation in Bihar. The march of Buddhist art and iconographic skills of Bihari artists from Vaisali to Magadha, from Didarganj to Nalanda, from Nalanda to Rajgriha, Bodh Gaya and to Kurkihara produced a new lasting creation of art which can be traced clearly in the world of Buddhist iconography spread from Bihar to Nepal & Tibet.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages