Amaravati

Art and Buddhism in Ancient India

Jas Elsner author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Reaktion Books

Published:15th Jul '24

Should be back in stock very soon

Amaravati cover

This exploration of the exceptional Buddhist stupa (reliquary mound) at Amaravati, one of ancient India's most extraordinary monuments, presents a fresh perspective on the rich visual culture of ancient South Asia viewed through the lens of art history, connecting the stupa's artistic innovations with advancements in Buddhist philosophy and rituals. Jas Elsner offers new insights into early Buddhist art in South India, as well as a new understanding of the relationship between early Buddhism and its material culture. The excellent newly taken photographs, particularly those featuring objects from the British Museum in London, show in detail how the stupa communicated Buddhist teachings and practices to its followers, making this book an invaluable resource for students and scholars alike.

"The book argues for a 'visual Buddhology' by triangulating Amaravati's sculptural 'text' with Buddhist suttas, commentaries, and history. In doing so, it breaks down disciplinary barriers, restores the Indian cultural element in Indian Buddhist studies, and revises arguments about the rise of Mahayana in early India . . . revolutionary in its outlook and approach."--Deven M. Patel, author of 'Text to Tradition: The Naisadhiyacarita and Literary Community in South Asia'

ISBN: 9781789148695

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

308 pages