La creation dune iconographie sivaite narrative:incarnations du dieu dans les temples pallava construits (French)

Book Details:

• ISBN 13: 9788184701807

• ISBN 10: 8184701802

• Edition: Pondicherry

• Year: 2010

• Language: English

• Subject(s): Fine Arts

• Publisher: ADITYA PRAKASHAN Indological Publishers & Booksellers

About the Book

This volume presents a detailed study of the earliest stone temples constructed by the Pallava dynasty in the Tamil-speaking South, beginning at the end of the 7th century. Primarily dedicated to Lord Śiva, these sanctuaries are adorned with rich sculptural depictions of the deity in multiple forms—benevolent, fierce, triumphant, and regal.

The book opens with a comprehensive introduction that situates Pallava art within its broader historical and religious contexts, offering insight into the cultural and devotional currents of the time. Each subsequent chapter is devoted to a major manifestation of Śiva, examining its iconography, symbolism, and significance within Pallava temple art.

The concluding chapter synthesizes these explorations into an overview of the iconographical program of a Śaiva sanctuary during the Pallava period, demonstrating how architecture and sculpture combined to create a powerful spiritual and artistic expression.

Richly researched and elegantly presented, this study is indispensable for students and scholars of South Indian art, temple architecture, and the religious history of the Pallava dynasty.