Indian Buddhist Iconography

Book Details:

• ISBN: 9788170200567
• Author: Benoytosh Bhattacharya
• Pages: 550 pp
• Year of Publishing: 2013
• Binding: Hardbound
• Publisher: Cosmo Publications

This study of Buddhist iconography is a captivating exploration of one of the most fascinating branches of Indian art. Unlike Hinduism or Jainism, which remained more localized, Buddhism spread far beyond India, influencing cultures across Tibet, China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Indo-China, Siam, Indonesia, Burma, and Ceylon. The roots of Buddhist iconography are traced to ancient Sanskrit manuscripts from India, which provided inspiration to various countries, particularly Tibet and China, where the art forms evolved and became intertwined with local cultures. The development of Buddhist iconography across these regions is profoundly influenced by Buddhist Tantras from India.

This second edition of the work has been thoroughly revised and expanded. It includes new chapters, restructured content, and the addition of many new images to make the study more current. The introduction has been mostly re-written, reflecting the insights gained from fresh material, particularly regarding the psychic side of Buddhist iconography, which became evident after the first edition. The second edition also addresses criticisms and irregularities from the earlier version, making it more accessible with improved formatting, especially for easier reading of references.