Akriti to Sanskriti

Book Details

• Author: Harsha V. Dehejia

• Binding: Hardcover

• Number of Pages: 248

• Release Date: 23-07-2012

• ISBN: 9788189738532

About the Book

Akriti to Sanskriti: The Journey of Indian Forms is a profound exploration into the rich visual culture of India, uncovering the deep layers of artistic expressions that span across time and space. Harsha V. Dehejia takes the reader through an intricate journey where sacred verses, folklore, and visual motifs blend seamlessly into India’s monumental heritage, as well as into the ordinary spaces of daily life.

The book examines akritis (visual forms), gathas (songs), and kathas (stories) created by artisans, from grand monuments to simple domestic spaces. These artistic expressions transcend individual and ritualistic boundaries, conveying a collective experience that binds Indian civilization together. The text reveals how these forms carry the legacy of brahma jnana (transcendental knowledge) and represent a cultural and spiritual continuity across generations.

Dehejia’s work is not only a celebration of Indian visual arts but also an analytical exploration of how these forms embody and express both the sacred and the secular, weaving them into the social and spiritual fabric of the country. This book serves as a unique repository of India's visual heritage, ideal for scholars, collectors, and anyone interested in the aesthetic soul of India.

About the Author

Harsha V. Dehejia is a well-known scholar and expert in the field of Indian art and culture. His work often bridges the gap between the spiritual and the artistic, offering unique insights into how Indian visual traditions are intertwined with its cultural and philosophical history. As an academic and curator, Dehejia has made significant contributions to the understanding of Indian aesthetics, particularly the connection between visual forms and sacred knowledge.