Bamiyan, hariti and kindred iconics

Book Details

• Publisher: ADITYA PRAKASHAN Indological Publishers & Booksellers

• Language: English

• Edition: 2011

• ISBN-13: 9788177421033

• ISBN-10: 8177421034

• Binding: Hardbound

• Subject: Buddhism

About the Book
This insightful book begins with the concept of sunyata (emptiness) at Bamiyan and weaves through the tragic history of the Buddhas of Bamiyan, offering a deep exploration of their cultural, philosophical, and historical significance. The narrative delves into the international Gandhara tradition, the tragic iconoclasm that led to their destruction, and the ongoing hope for Afghanistan’s future, symbolized by interest in its past.

The influence of Bamiyan’s colossal Buddhas on Buddhist sculpture and the wider Buddhist tradition is examined, tracing the legacy of these monumental statues to later creations like the Maitreya at Bodhgaya and the colossal Maitreya at Leshan. Through an examination of their symbolic and philosophical underpinnings, the book uncovers the rich cosmic and syncretic symbolism of the Cosmic Buddhas of Bamiyan.

The volume also explores several other fascinating aspects of Buddhist and Indian art, such as Hariti, the mother of demons, and the vibrant artistic heritage seen in Mongolian miniatures, Tibetan manuscripts, and Jain and Persian illustrated texts. From the depiction of rasas on the Borobudur to the intricate arts and crafts of Gujarat and Kutch, the book offers a rich tapestry of the diverse and evolving art forms of South Asia, shedding light on the connections between religion, culture, and aesthetics.

This work is a must-read for those interested in the history of Buddhist art, the philosophy of sunyata, and the legacy of Bamiyan’s iconic statues, as well as for scholars of South Asian and Buddhist studies.