- Mysuru, Karnataka, India
Krishnamurthy S.
Archaeological Survey of India, Epigraphy Branch, Department Member
- Indian Epigraphy (Bramhi, Nagari, Persian and Old Kannada), Stone tools, Survey (Archaeological Method & Theory), Indian Art, Indian ancient history, Pallava art, and 142 moreInscriptions, Indian Inscriptions, Ancient Indian Archaeology, Archaeological Theory, Digital Photogrammetry applied to Archaeology, Indus Valley Civilization, Buddhist Studies, Megaliths (Archaeology), South Asian Archaeology, Ancient India, GUPTA EMPIRE, Monolithic Pillar, Archaeology, Iconography, Art History, Buddhist Art, Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, History, South India, Indian Culture, south Indian history, Tamilnadu, Indigenous Sports and Games, Ancient Indian Art and Architecture, Pallava, Indian Society & Culture, Kanchipuram, Pallava history, Ancient Seals and Sealings, Bihar, Seals, Archaeology of Bihar, Jaina Studies, Cultural History, Indian Epigraphy, History of Crime and Punishment, Marathi Language, Gujarati, Social and Cultural History of Maharashtra, History of Medieval Deccan, History of Deccan, Marathi Inscriptions, Religious History, Jainism, Buddhism, Indian religions, Indian Sculpture, Archaeology of Jainism, Buddhist Art History and Archaeology, History of Tamil Nadu and Buddhism, Sanskrit inscriptions, History of Jainism, Jainism in Tamil Nadu, Indian History, Indian Archaeology and History of Art, Mauryan Empire, EARLY HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY INDIAN ART, History of India, Epigraphy (Archaeology), India, Scripts, Ancient indian scripts, History of Bihar, Ancient Indian Inscriptions, Gupta History, Brāhmī scripts, Histrory, Ancient Brahmi Script 2kBC its Links, Indian studies, Indology, Literature, Anthropology, Rock Art (Archaeology), Painting, Prehistory, Rock Art, Pre-Historic Rockart, Gaya bihar, Nalanda, Indian scripts, Ancient Indian History, Haryana, Jaina History, Archaeological Survey of India, Scripts of Ancient India, Mithila, Bihari Language, Hindu iconography, Śaivism, Sculpture, Comparative Study Of The Ancient Arts And Iconologies, Traditional Architecture, Divine kingship in India during the Kuṣāṇa and Gupta periods, Ancient Cultures, GUPTA DYNASTY COINS, Asoka, political history of north india, Ancient History, Brahmic Scripts, Epigraphy ( Brahmi, Himachal Pradesh Studies, Himachal Pradesh, South Indian Art, Ancient Indian History and Culture, Indian epigraphy, Sanskrit epic, formulae, Bhoja Paramara, Society, Culture, Palaeography, ARCHAEOLOGY AND WORLD HERITAGE, Vijayanagara, Andhra Pradesh, Iconography, Cave and temple architecture, Hindu temples, History of Sculpture, Architectural History, Historical Archaeology, Hinduism, Indian Temple Architecture, Puranas, Bas-Relief, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Artisan Workshop practice in the Early Modern period, Debitage Analysis, Flake Debitage, Workshop, Archaeological Excavation, Budhist Art, Excavation Reports, Tamil Nadu, Art and Architecture Particularly Rock-Cut Temples in Tamilnadu, History of Art and Architecture, Indian society, South indian epigraphy, Epigraphy, Sanskrit, Mahabharata, Kurukshetra, Ancient Bihar, Ancient alphabetic inscriptions, and Brahmanical, Buddhist and Jain Sculptureedit
- Epigraphist in Archaeological Survey of India.edit
This paper examines a recently discovered undated late medieval stone inscription found from the village of Kumarkhat in Madhubani district, Bihar.
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Tribute to Dr. P. V. Parabrahma Sastry, the doyen among the epigraphists and numismatists, in the form of a brief write-up, based on his articles published in the volumes of the journal of The Epigraphical Society of India.
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Indapai or Indpe is a historically significant village situated at a distance of 5 km to the south of Jamui, the district headquarters in Bihar. The present paper highlights four images of Buddhist faith bearing inscription on its... more
Indapai or Indpe is a historically significant village situated at a distance of 5 km to the south of Jamui, the district headquarters in Bihar. The present paper highlights four images of Buddhist faith bearing inscription on its pedestal, preserved in the Chandrasekhar Singh Museum at Jamui. Among them, one can be dated to 5th century C. E., two to 6th century C.E. and one inscription to 7th century C.E., on palaeographical grounds.
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Vaisali, located about 60 km north from Patna was one of the oldest and largest cities of India in early historical period. Archaeological excavations unearthed ancient remains from Northern Black Polished ware to post-Gupta period. A... more
Vaisali, located about 60 km north from Patna was one of the oldest and largest cities of India in early historical period. Archaeological excavations unearthed ancient remains from Northern Black Polished ware to post-Gupta period. A number of seals, sealings and tokens belonging to Maurya, Sunga, Kushana, Gupta and post-Gupta periods was also discovered from the excavations.The aim of this paper is to place before scholars, a unique brass seal having a legend written in Bhaikshuki script (now preserved in Archaeological Museum, Vaishali). From the available published sources, so far only 15 Bhaikshuki inscriptions are found and for the first time a seal with a legend written in this script is noticed. Thus this seal is a rare of this kind and has great archaeological and epigraphical importance.
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Kāliñjara is situated in southwestern corner of District Banda in U.P. To the South of the town lies the famous fortress of Kāliñjara on the hill of the same name. Many inscriptions have been discovered here by scholars at different... more
Kāliñjara is situated in southwestern corner of District Banda in U.P. To the South of the town lies the famous fortress of Kāliñjara on the hill of the same name. Many inscriptions have been discovered here by scholars at different points of time. A few recently discovered inscriptions, one among which takes the epigraphic evidence of the history of this place to the Kuśana period, were found by the Authors. These are being described here.
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The paper discusses about the sealings found from Rukministhan in Nalanda district of Bihar. Based on the palaeography of the inscription on the sealings, they are dated between 5th to 7th century A.D. The script used are Brahmi of 5th... more
The paper discusses about the sealings found from Rukministhan in Nalanda district of Bihar. Based on the palaeography of the inscription on the sealings, they are dated between 5th to 7th century A.D. The script used are Brahmi of 5th century A.D. and Early Nagari of 6th-7th century A.D. Based on the content of the inscription the sealings are categorized under three groups (1) Personal sealings (2) Monastic sealings and (3) Votive tablets.
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The paper aims to highlight the religious interaction between the Buddhists in Srilanka and India in 9th century A.D. as gleaned from an inscription found from Ghuriyavan, Gaya district, Bihar. The inscription is written in Sanskrit... more
The paper aims to highlight the religious interaction between the Buddhists in Srilanka and India in 9th century A.D. as gleaned from an inscription found from Ghuriyavan, Gaya district, Bihar. The inscription is written in Sanskrit language and Siddhamatrika characters.
Research Interests: Buddhism, Archaeology, Buddhist Studies, Indian ancient history, Indian History, and 10 moreInscriptions, Ancient Indian Archaeology, Indian Epigraphy, Indian Epigraphy (Bramhi, Nagari, Persian and Old Kannada), Bihar, Gaya bihar, Indian Inscriptions, South indian epigraphy, History of Bihar, and Indian scripts
Inscriptions form the most reliable source for the reconstruction of history. In the present paper the authors have discussed nine inscriptions, which were carved on the back side of the bronze images of Jaina Tirthankara. These... more
Inscriptions form the most reliable source for the reconstruction of history. In the present paper the authors have discussed nine inscriptions, which were carved on the back side of the bronze images of Jaina Tirthankara. These inscriptions have its own importance because these are the only inscribed bronze images belonging to Jainism so far discovered in the region. Although two of the Hansi hoard images are inscribed with few words only. All these bronzes belong to the Medieval period (12 th-13 th Century A.D.). During this period massive socio-political change took place in the region and these inscriptions can throw light on the various aspects of history of that time.
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Mithila region occupied an important position in the socio-religious history of India through the ages. Nourished as it was by trade routes this land saw varied influences across the time. Traditionally Mithila region is surrounded by... more
Mithila region occupied an important position in the socio-religious history of India through the ages. Nourished as it was by trade routes this land saw varied influences across the time. Traditionally Mithila region is surrounded by river Gandaka in the west, in south by great river Ganga, in east by river Kosi and in north by the mountain of great Himalayan range. Both Gautam Buddha and Mahavira are said to have spent some time in Mithila. The ancient Mithila covered in its present districts of Araria, Begusarai, Darbhanga, Khagaria, Madhepura, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur, Saharasa, Samastipur, Sitamarhi, Supaul and Vaishali districts of Bihar and Dhanusha district of Nepal. A fairly good number of inscribed materials in the form of stone sculptures, pillars, seals, sealings are found in the region. During the course of exploration various inscriptions has been found, among them some were still un-noticed and not properly studied. An attempt is made here to discuss these inscriptions.
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The present paper deals with two unique Siva lingas from Bihar
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The present paper deals with a unique kind of Ekamukha Siva linga found from Bhagawanpur village.
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The present paper will focus on the iconic and non-iconic aspect of the pillar made and erected during the times of Maurya and Gupta period like its raw material, purpose, theme, art, context and nature of epigraphical data. Special... more
The present paper will focus on the iconic and non-iconic aspect of the pillar made and erected during the times of Maurya and Gupta period like its raw material, purpose, theme, art, context and nature of epigraphical data. Special attention is given to the crowning capital figure. The study shows that while Asokan pillars are all erected by the royalty, the Gupta counterparts patronized by the subordinates and individuals as well. There is also a variety and grandeur in the shaping of the pillar and crowning figures in Gupta period. Whereas the Asokan pillars propagates the law of morality, the Gupta pillars have divergent purpose viz. to proclaim the victory of the ruler and making them immortal (Kirti Sthambha), in memory of a person or event (Smaraka Sthambha) and in honour of God for attaining merit (Dvaja Sthambha).
Research Interests: Archaeology, Art History, Indian ancient history, Sculpture, Comparative Study Of The Ancient Arts And Iconologies, and 11 moreIndian History, Traditional Architecture, Indian Epigraphy, Mauryan Empire, Divine kingship in India during the Kuṣāṇa and Gupta periods, Ancient Cultures, Gupta History, GUPTA DYNASTY COINS, Asoka, Monolithic Pillar, and political history of north india
The three Bhaikshuki inscriptions was brought to the notice of the Epigraphy Branch, ASI, Mysore by Excavation Branch III, Patna. Two are from Uren in Lakhisari district, Bihar and one is from the adjoining village of Manjhiyavan. They... more
The three Bhaikshuki inscriptions was brought to the notice of the Epigraphy Branch, ASI, Mysore by Excavation Branch III, Patna. Two are from Uren in Lakhisari district, Bihar and one is from the adjoining village of Manjhiyavan. They are in Bhaikshuki script, datable variously between 9th-10th century A.D. and Pali language. So far only twelve inscriptions, engraved in this script are found and thus the present discovery forms a valuable addition to the corpus of Bhaikshuki inscriptions, making a total of 15.
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Jainism, popularly known as Jain Dharma is a spiritual, religious and philosophical tradition of Indian origin and most of the scholars agree that its antiquity goes back to Vedic times. Archaeological remains of Jainism are found in most... more
Jainism, popularly known as Jain Dharma is a spiritual, religious and philosophical tradition of Indian origin and most of the scholars agree that its antiquity goes back to Vedic times. Archaeological remains of Jainism are found in most of the Indian states and Himachal Pradesh was also an important centre of Jainism during past as it is evident from the discovery of many sculptures and antiquities from Himachal Pradesh. Recently a number of sculptures were recovered near Kangra fort, among them a beautiful inscribed sculpture of Rishabhanatha was also recovered which is discussed in the present paper.
Research Interests: Jainism, History, Asian Studies, Epigraphy (Archaeology), Indian History, and 9 moreEpigraphy, Inscriptions, Indian Archaeology and History of Art, Ancient Indian Archaeology, Ancient Indian History, Archaeological Survey of India, Archaeology of Jainism, Himachal Pradesh Studies, and Himachal Pradesh
In Tondaimandalam region, sculptural art has witnessed a tremendous growth in Pallava period (circa 610 C.E. - 913 C.E.) involving innovative ideas, reflective of the then socio-cultural, religious and economic factors. Study on Pallava... more
In Tondaimandalam region, sculptural art has witnessed a tremendous growth in Pallava period (circa 610 C.E. - 913 C.E.) involving innovative ideas, reflective of the then socio-cultural, religious and economic factors. Study on Pallava sculptures fascinated art connoisseurs and historians since the last few decades of the 18th century C.E., when for the first time William Chambers has made an attempt to describe the monuments of Mamallapuram. However, most of the works dealt with iconographical and architectural features, giving very little importance to the cultural factors hidden in the sculptures. Among the various objects depicted in the sculptural art which reflects the material culture of those times, the study of thrones, which symbolizes status, dignity and identification of the person occupying it, forms an interesting subject. The main aim of this paper is to analyze the various types of thrones depicted in the sculptural art of Pallava period, which might have been actually in usage in those times. The present study helped in identifying ten types of thrones, on the basis of its shape, dimension and other aesthetic features. As foot-rest is also part of a throne, it is also studied.
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Sohagpur, the findspot of the inscription is the tahsil headquarters, situated in Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh. It lies on the bank of Palakmati river, a tributary of Narmada. The inscription, dated Samvat 1244 (1186 A. D.), is... more
Sohagpur, the findspot of the inscription is the tahsil headquarters, situated in Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh. It lies on the bank of Palakmati river, a tributary of Narmada.
The inscription, dated Samvat 1244 (1186 A. D.), is one of the largest and well preserved of the stone inscriptions so far discovered belonging to the Paramaras of Malwa. The importance of the inscription is that it gives for the first time a sheet anchor to date Ajayavarma, a successor of Yasovarman and its Jaina affiliation, which is a rarity among the inscriptions of Paramara period.
The inscription, dated Samvat 1244 (1186 A. D.), is one of the largest and well preserved of the stone inscriptions so far discovered belonging to the Paramaras of Malwa. The importance of the inscription is that it gives for the first time a sheet anchor to date Ajayavarma, a successor of Yasovarman and its Jaina affiliation, which is a rarity among the inscriptions of Paramara period.
Research Interests: Indian History, Epigraphy, Indian Epigraphy, Indian Epigraphy (Bramhi, Nagari, Persian and Old Kannada), Ancient Indian History, and 5 moreINdian and Southeast Asian Art, Archaeology and Epigrahy, Indian epigraphy, Sanskrit epic, formulae, Medieval North East Indian History, Bhoja Paramara, and East Indian Epigraphy and IconographyEast Indian Epigraphy and Iconography
The main aim of this research article is to know about the various occupations people of the Pallava period professed as known through the sculptural art of Pallava period. Feasible data from epigraphical and literary sources are also... more
The main aim of this research article is to know about the various occupations people of the Pallava period professed as known through the sculptural art of Pallava period. Feasible data from epigraphical and literary sources are also taken into consideration for better interpretation of the sculptural art. The study revealed about the existence of various occupations such as rulers, royal courtiers, royal servants like door-guards, fly-whisk bearers, umbrella-bearers, military personnel, royal musicians and dancers, priests, temple servants, dancing girls, sages, martial artists, wrestlers, musicians, dancers, theatre artists, cowherds, hunters, wood-cutters, etc.
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The present paper deals with one such creations of Man, i.e. the tradition of erecting free standing mono-lithic pillars-its origin, growth and decline and the continuity of the tradition of erecting such pillars in its changed polylithic... more
The present paper deals with one such creations of Man, i.e. the tradition of erecting free standing mono-lithic pillars-its origin, growth and decline and the continuity of the tradition of erecting such pillars in its changed polylithic (from Greek word polloi = many + lithic = stone), non-lithic and structural forms. No exact reason can be found, pointing it to be the exact cause for the decline in the tradition of erecting monolithic pillar and its transformation. In this paper the authors try to analyse various phenomenon likesocio-political, economic and technical aspects which may have lead to their decline and subsequently their continuity in a changed form in Indian context.
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Research Interests: Hinduism, Archaeology, Iconography, Art History, Historical Archaeology, and 13 moreArchitectural History, History of Sculpture, Indian ancient history, Sculpture, Hindu temples, Andhra Pradesh, Iconography, Cave and temple architecture, Vijayanagara, Indian Temple Architecture, Bas-Relief, Pallava, Puranas, and Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
Archaeological remains seem to prove that the archaeological site of Sarnath was indeed a manufacturing cum-factory site, even from the age of Mauryas and continued up to the 12th Century CE. As a proof to this, remains such as the... more
Archaeological remains seem to prove that the
archaeological site of Sarnath was indeed a manufacturing
cum-factory site, even from the age of Mauryas and
continued up to the 12th Century CE. As a proof to this,
remains such as the geographical location of the site
connected with the rivers and intentionally made canals,
scattered raw material in the form of stone blocks and
chips of different sizes, in situ documentation of stone
flakes and chips of different sizes and shapes found
during explorations and excavations, implements and
tools for making art objects recovered from the recent
excavations, patina bearing stone blocks for sharpening
such tools, mason marks and names, have been studied
in detail. Artefacts displayed in the site museum and also
preserved in reserve collection prove that Sarnath was
a place where various sculptures and other art-pieces
for architectural purposes, were shaped.
archaeological site of Sarnath was indeed a manufacturing
cum-factory site, even from the age of Mauryas and
continued up to the 12th Century CE. As a proof to this,
remains such as the geographical location of the site
connected with the rivers and intentionally made canals,
scattered raw material in the form of stone blocks and
chips of different sizes, in situ documentation of stone
flakes and chips of different sizes and shapes found
during explorations and excavations, implements and
tools for making art objects recovered from the recent
excavations, patina bearing stone blocks for sharpening
such tools, mason marks and names, have been studied
in detail. Artefacts displayed in the site museum and also
preserved in reserve collection prove that Sarnath was
a place where various sculptures and other art-pieces
for architectural purposes, were shaped.
Research Interests: Deep excavation and urban tunnelling, Excavation Methodology, Excavation Reports, Budhist Art, Archaeological Excavation, and 26 moreWorkshop, Inscriptions, Flake Debitage, Debitage Analysis, Artisan Workshop practice in the Early Modern period, Excavation, Workshops, Budhist education system, Varanasi, Article Related to Research Methodology, Workshop, Seminar, and Training Oportunity, Andn Also More Academic Articles and Books, Archaeological excavations, Budhist Philosophy, Debitage, Budhisme, Sarnath, Excavations, Archaeological Excavation Methodology, Techniques of Archaeological Excavation, Deep Excavation, Pure Land Budhism, Budhhism, Budhism Studies in India, Early Christian Papyri and Inscriptions, Budhism, Varanasi-epigraphy, and Seven Year In Sarnath Tibetan Institute: 1975-1981
The present paper is mainly concerned in pinpointing certain socio-religious, cultural and political aspects that can be discernible in the Govardhanadhari panel in the Krishna mandapa. The scope and theme of this panel is limited as it... more
The present paper is mainly concerned in pinpointing certain socio-religious, cultural and political aspects that can be discernible in the Govardhanadhari panel in the Krishna mandapa. The scope and theme of this panel is limited as it depicts an event. Yet it seems that the artist or the patron through this panel wants to bring to life the contemporary village life in this panel and seems to convey some meaning to the viewer.
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Sculptural art in Tondaimandalam region witnessed tremendous growth in Pallava period (circa 610 C.E. - 913 C.E.) involving innovative ideas, reflective of the then socio-cultural, religious and economic factors. Study on Pallava... more
Sculptural art in Tondaimandalam region witnessed tremendous growth in Pallava period (circa 610 C.E. - 913 C.E.) involving innovative ideas, reflective of the then socio-cultural, religious and economic factors. Study on Pallava architecture and sculptures fascinated art connoisseurs and historians since the last few decades of the 18th century C.E., when for the first time William Chambers has made an attempt to describe the monuments of Mamallapuram. However, most of the works dealt with the iconographical and architectural features, giving little importance to the cultural factors hidden in them. Among the various objects depicted in the sculptural art, which reflected the material culture of those times, the study of household objects of day to day usage like vessels, forms an interesting study. The main aim of this paper is to have a typological understanding of various kinds of vessels depicted in the sculptural art of Pallava period, which obviously was in usage in those times. The present study helped in identifying various types of vessels used in those times.
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Bihar occupies an important position in the socio-religious and cultural history of India. It was the cradle of sculptural art and iconography from Mauryan to early medieval period. In early medieval period Nalanda, Gaya and Vikramshila... more
Bihar occupies an important position in the socio-religious and cultural history of India. It was the cradle of sculptural art and iconography from Mauryan to early medieval period. In early medieval period Nalanda, Gaya and Vikramshila became the prominent art centers of South Bihar. Along with the Buddhist deities, Brahmanical deities were also carved and worshipped. This is attested by the recovered images and proves the richness and variety of iconographic wealth. During the course of exploration as well as visit of different museums in the districts of Bhagalpur, Gaya and Nalanda, various images of Brahmanical faith bearing inscriptions of early medieval period have been found. Among them almost all were un-noticed and not properly studied. An attempt is made here to discuss the iconographical features of the images and content of the inscriptions, with its text in Roman and Devanagari scripts.
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The present note examines a seal found from a vast ancient mound (known as Abhimanyu-khera) at a village named Amin in Kurukshetra district, Thanesar tehsil, Haryana, India. It bears a legend written in Sanskrit language and Brahmi script... more
The present note examines a seal found from a vast ancient mound (known as Abhimanyu-khera) at a village named Amin in Kurukshetra district, Thanesar tehsil, Haryana, India. It bears a legend written in Sanskrit language and Brahmi script of about 1st century CE. The site Amin is of great antiquity associated in the epics with the chakravyuha incident in the battle of Mahabharata, in which Abhimanyu, one of the warriors of the great battle, son of Arjuna and Subhadra, got killed.
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Kirtimukha lierally "the face of glory" as a theme of art is a popular icon not only in the Brahmanism, but also in Jainism and Buddhism in India. Even in other civilizations like Egypt, Greece, China, etc., similar motifs serving the... more
Kirtimukha lierally "the face of glory" as a theme of art is a popular icon not only in the Brahmanism, but also in Jainism and Buddhism in India. Even in other civilizations like Egypt, Greece, China, etc., similar motifs serving the same purpose are found and known by various names. The present chapter will make a passing reference to its iconography, context, medium, development of different forms, its size and antiquity, as found on the mounuments of Sarnath.
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The Pallavas ruled for six centuries from the end of 3rd century CE to the early decades of 10th century CE.The paper aims to discuss the pastime activities during this period, based on sculptural and epigraphical sources. Pastime... more
The Pallavas ruled for six centuries from the end of 3rd century CE to the early decades of 10th century CE.The paper aims to discuss the pastime activities during this period, based on sculptural and epigraphical sources. Pastime activities like martial arts, wrestling, hunting, theatre, puppet show, cock-fight, gambling and rope-juggling are found.
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The village Urēn, in Surajgarha Block of Lakhisarai District, Bihar, located 160 kms from Patna, was described as rich with many Buddhist stupas, monasteries and Brahmanical temples by the famous Buddhist pilgrim traveller Hieün Tsang... more
The village Urēn, in Surajgarha Block of Lakhisarai District, Bihar, located 160 kms from Patna, was described as rich with many Buddhist stupas, monasteries and Brahmanical temples by the famous Buddhist pilgrim traveller Hieün Tsang who visited the region in 7th century CE. The archaeological excavations conducted by the Excavation Branch III of the Archaeological Survey of India, Patna during 2016 – 17 and 2017 - 18 revealed a continuous habitation of nearly 2600 years from the middle of the 2nd millennium BCE to the early 2nd millennium CE. Apart from numerous architectural features and potsherds, the excavation also revealed a number of terracotta sealings and a solitary ivory seal. The legends and symbols engraved on them are of great historical significance and it is the main focal point of discussion in this article. Importance is equally given to the archaeological context in which these antiquities are found, so ̣̣̣that its cultural affiliation and purpose can be better understood.
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The present paper aims to examine two inscriptions found from Sohagpur and Panagar, situated in Hoshangabad and Narsinghpur districts of Madhya Pradesh respectively.
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Bihar occupies an important position in the socio-religious and cultural history of India. It was the cradle of sculptural art and iconography from Mauryan to early medieval period. Bihar state is divided into two unequal halves as North... more
Bihar occupies an important position in the socio-religious and cultural history of India. It was the cradle of sculptural art and iconography from Mauryan to early medieval period. Bihar state is divided into two unequal halves as North Bihar and South Bihar by the river Ganges which flows from west to east. This region was ruled by the Haryaka, Sishunaga, Nanda, Maurya, Sunga, Kshatrapa, Gupta, Maukhari and Pala dynasties. The Pala dynasty of Bihar (8th -12th century C.E.) was noted for their patronage of Mahayana Buddhism.
In early medieval period Nalanda, Gaya and Vikramshila became the prominent art centers of South Bihar. Along with the Buddhist deities, Brahmanical deities were also carved and worshipped. This is attested by the images recovered so far and it proves the richness and variety of iconographic wealth.
A fairly good number of inscribed materials in the form of stone sculptures, votive stupas, seals, sealings are found in the region. During the course of exploration as well as excavations in the districts of Banka, Bhagalpur, Gaya, Jehanabad, Nalanda and Patna various images of Buddhist faith bearing inscriptions of early medieval period have been found. Among them almost all were un-noticed and not properly studied. An attempt is made here to discuss the iconographical features of 18 Buddhist images and content of the inscriptions. The text and content of the inscriptions is examined.
In early medieval period Nalanda, Gaya and Vikramshila became the prominent art centers of South Bihar. Along with the Buddhist deities, Brahmanical deities were also carved and worshipped. This is attested by the images recovered so far and it proves the richness and variety of iconographic wealth.
A fairly good number of inscribed materials in the form of stone sculptures, votive stupas, seals, sealings are found in the region. During the course of exploration as well as excavations in the districts of Banka, Bhagalpur, Gaya, Jehanabad, Nalanda and Patna various images of Buddhist faith bearing inscriptions of early medieval period have been found. Among them almost all were un-noticed and not properly studied. An attempt is made here to discuss the iconographical features of 18 Buddhist images and content of the inscriptions. The text and content of the inscriptions is examined.
Research Interests:
This paper reviews some important inscriptions datable between 3 Rd century BCE to 6th century CE spanning a period of 900 years from different parts of northern India, which throws light on the crime and punishment in northern india as... more
This paper reviews some important inscriptions datable between 3 Rd century BCE to 6th century CE spanning a period of 900 years from different parts of northern India, which throws light on the crime and punishment in northern india as gleaned from inscriptions. The study examines various aspects such as the earliest inscriptional reference to judicial procedure in India, various types of crimes committed, steps taken by the government to maintain law and order such as appointment of police officers, establishment of courts of Justice, issue of ordinance listing various kinds of punishment to be meted out to the offenders, nature of punishments, etc.
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Inscriptions play an important role in revealing the various activities done by the people of the past. Records engraved in temples throw a flood of light on several aspects like, the period of its construction, the gradual expansion of... more
Inscriptions play an important role in revealing the various activities done by the people of the past. Records engraved in temples throw a flood of light on several aspects like, the period of its construction, the gradual expansion of the components of a temple complex over a period of time, renovations made, the various donations made by its patrons, festivals and rituals, administration of the temple, etc. The Lakshmi Narasimha temple at Nira Narasimhapur, Pune district, Maharashtra is an important place of Vaishnavite pilgrimage in general and Lord Narasimha in particular. The present paper aims to examine 10 inscriptions of this temple, written in Marathi and Gujarati languagesdated between early decades of 17th to mid-19th century CE gleaning light on the construction and renovation of the temple and the patronage it received from the devotees.
Research Interests: Archaeology, Architecture, Indian Art, Gujarati, Ancient Indian Architecture, and 11 moreMarathi Language, Epigraphy, Indian Archaeology and History of Art, Indian Epigraphy, Ancient India, Social and Cultural History of Maharashtra, Indian Temple Architecture, Political Thought N Modern Maharashtra, History of Deccan, History of Medieval Deccan, and Marathi Inscriptions
The present paper gives a glimpse into the various inscriptions and sculptures which throws light on the status of the two major heterodox sects of India viz., Jainism and Buddhism in Pallava period (circa 295 C.E. - 913 C.E.), whose... more
The present paper gives a glimpse into the various inscriptions and sculptures which throws light on the status of the two major heterodox sects of India viz., Jainism and Buddhism in Pallava period (circa 295 C.E. - 913 C.E.), whose territory spread variously in the modern states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. From their inscriptions it can be adjudged that the rulers of this dynasty also patronized these two religious beliefs, though with some disruptions and distractions in between.
Research Interests: Buddhism, Jainism, History, Archaeology, Religious History, and 15 moreAncient Arts And Iconography, south Indian history, Epigraphy, Indian religions, Inscriptions, Indian Epigraphy, Ancient India, Indian Sculpture, Archaeology of Jainism, Buddhist Art History and Archaeology, Pallava, History of Tamil Nadu and Buddhism, Sanskrit inscriptions, History of Jainism, and Jainism in Tamil Nadu
Monolithic pillars are those which comprises of two components - the shaft, which is made of a single block of stone, hence the name monolithic and the crowning capital part in the form of a deity or royal insignia or any other animal... more
Monolithic pillars are those which comprises of two components - the shaft, which is made of a single block of stone, hence the name monolithic and the crowning capital part in the form of a deity or royal insignia or any other animal figure made of another block of stone. The earliest example of erecting a pillar like structure is from the Vedic Age. Multifarious are the purposes behind the creation and erection of a free standing monolithic pillar. Often the intended purpose of its erection can be more than one. In such cases stringent categorization of pillars is not feasible and several reasons can be attributed to its erection. The present paper examines the various causes for the installation of a pillar, analyses the inscriptional evidence and archaeological context with suitable examples. The scope of this paper is confined from 3rd century B.C.E. to 6th century C.E.
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The present paper aims at discussing those inscriptions which refers to women as the donor or patron and attempt to draw upon the possible position, rights and duty women were given in the Pallava society.
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The present book Pallava Sculptures – A Cultural Study is the result of extensive fieldwork and minute analytical research undertaken by the author.The core of the book is centered around the concept that the sculptors were influenced by... more
The present book Pallava Sculptures – A Cultural Study is the result of extensive fieldwork and minute analytical research undertaken by the author.The core of the book is centered around the concept that the sculptors were influenced by the cultural traits that existed in the society and eventually that reflected in their art. As a result, the sculptural specimens of a particular period ought to reflect the cultural history of the then society. The present work is divided into eleven chapters, starting with a brief political history and the various stages of development of temple architecture and sculpture of the Pallava period. Then this book gives an elaborate description of material culture of the period as revealed through the sculptural art, such as the physiognomy of the people, their food habits, dwelling units, costume, coiffure, ornaments, household items, articles related to royal court, musical instruments, pastime activities, weapons, flora and fauna. Wherever necessary, corroborative evidences from literature and epigraphs are used. A chronological list of all the Pallava temples as known through the sculptural/architectural style and epigraphical evidences is given in the appendix. More than 400 photographs on important specimens supported by line drawings gives a visual comprehension to the theoretical description.