Proceedings of Indian Art History Congress XXX Session 2023 Nalbari,pp77-83, 2024
The scope of the theme 'Environmental Representation in Indian art' is vast. A short paper can do... more The scope of the theme 'Environmental Representation in Indian art' is vast. A short paper can do Justice to the theme only if it focuses on a small segment. Hence the subtitle , 'Social Environment reflected in Sculptural Art'. Only sculptural art in architecture is considered. The period covered spans examples from 300 BCE to 1200 CE. It is necessary to cover such a long span, since 'social environment' changes gradually.
Paper in Marathi. An unusual poem in prakrit, inscribed in 'Bhoja Shala', aka 'Sarasvati Bhavan' ... more Paper in Marathi. An unusual poem in prakrit, inscribed in 'Bhoja Shala', aka 'Sarasvati Bhavan' at Dhar, Malwa. Attributed to King Bhoja (1000 CE to 1055 CE). Topic is interesting.
An image of a deity recovered from a pond in Gās, near Nālāsopārā, is illustrated below. A first ... more An image of a deity recovered from a pond in Gās, near Nālāsopārā, is illustrated below. A first look at the deity carrying a child on her hip and her elephant mount standing by her right side brings to mind Indrani, one of the saptamātṛkās. However a closer look shows that in her right hand she is holding a ghaṇṭā (Bell) with a vajra-top. Indrani as a part of Hindu pantheon would hold a vajra, not a bell. A female attendant holding Aṅkuśa (elephant goad) stands on her left.
In an article in this journal, in 2006-2007, some temples of north Maharashtra (from Ahmadnagar a... more In an article in this journal, in 2006-2007, some temples of north Maharashtra (from Ahmadnagar and Nasik districts) were discussed 1. The present article, as a continuation, showcases temples, sattras, centres of learning and monasteries from two more districts of north Maharashtra, Jalgaon and Dhule. Five of the temples, the Siva temple at Dighi, Bhavani Temple and the Mahesvara
Archaeology and Text: The Temple in South Asia " , 2010
Unusual depictions on inside pillars of Ambarnath Shivalaya.
Rituals performed during temple con... more Unusual depictions on inside pillars of Ambarnath Shivalaya.
Rituals performed during temple construction and after completion
I t is rare to find the sutradhåra (master architect) depicted on a temple wall. In the Shiva tem... more I t is rare to find the sutradhåra (master architect) depicted on a temple wall. In the Shiva temple at Ambarnath, Maharashtra (c. AD 1060), the sutradhåra is portrayed in a recess on the wall (salilåntara) He is bearded, wears various ornaments but no sacred thread. In his right hand is the measuring rod and the left has a manuscript. The identification of the Ambarnath figure as the sutradhåra is confirmed by comparing it with an inscribed roundel on the ceiling of the twelfth century Vimala Vasahi, Dilwara, Mount Abu, South Rajasthan
In the absence of direct inscriptional evidence, an attempt to understand what the Acharya / Stha... more In the absence of direct inscriptional evidence, an attempt to understand what the Acharya / Sthapati of the temple wished to convey through the imagery.
The article describes a small but beautiful temple in the Anmod Ghats, Goa. Stylistically, it is ... more The article describes a small but beautiful temple in the Anmod Ghats, Goa. Stylistically, it is placed in the thirteenth century and was probably built by the Kadamba dynasty of Goa. Our visit coincided with the 'Fugdi-Dhalo Mahotsava' held there on Akshaya Tritiya. Groups of young women in their traditional finery participated. It was obvious from their enthusiasm that they were enjoying the pure fun of this gathering.
The medieval art history of the Konkan coast is plagued by a paucity of recorded
dates for sculp... more The medieval art history of the Konkan coast is plagued by a paucity of recorded
dates for sculptures and monuments.Hardly any temples from medieval times have
survived but scattered solitary sculptures found throughout the coastal areas testify
to their presence at one time. Some of these images are presently in worship within
unpretentious thatched or tiled cottages that serve as “temples”. The sculptures,
shrouded in local legends, obviously pre-date their dwellings by many centuries. Their
stylistic features can be used to gain more information about their origins.
Three Vishnu images in stone, located off the beaten track, are discussed here – a
Rupanarayana from Dive Agar, Shrivardhan taluka, Raigad district (north Konkan), 2
a Lakshmi Keshava from Bivli, Chiplun taluka, Ratnagiri district (south Konkan), and 3
a Vishnu image in stone from Savai Vere, Goa, now at the ASI museum in Old Goa.
No inscriptional evidence is available for any of these images. They were found within
a couple of hundred kilometres of each other, and yet exhibit strikingly different styles.
An effort is made here to glean some information about the sculptures from certain
distinctive features they possess, as well as from historical events in the region.
A loose Panel which may be taken as further proof that 'Shreshthins' and thereby Trade an Commer... more A loose Panel which may be taken as further proof that 'Shreshthins' and thereby Trade an Commerce, were still flourishing in medieval times at Sopara
Art, Icon and Architecture in South Asia , Essays in honour of Dr. Devangana Desai
The paper highlights some episodic panels on the walls of a temple in Phaltan, district Satara, i... more The paper highlights some episodic panels on the walls of a temple in Phaltan, district Satara, in Maharashtra. A review of Jaina temples in a small geographical area covering a short historical time span is included to get a proper perspective.
The Shilaharas of Kolhapur (940-1210 CE) ruled over ‘Kuntaladesha’, comprising the
present-day districts of Kolhapur, Sangli and Satara in Maharashtra and Belgaum in
Karnataka.
Proceedings of Indian Art History Congress XXX Session 2023 Nalbari,pp77-83, 2024
The scope of the theme 'Environmental Representation in Indian art' is vast. A short paper can do... more The scope of the theme 'Environmental Representation in Indian art' is vast. A short paper can do Justice to the theme only if it focuses on a small segment. Hence the subtitle , 'Social Environment reflected in Sculptural Art'. Only sculptural art in architecture is considered. The period covered spans examples from 300 BCE to 1200 CE. It is necessary to cover such a long span, since 'social environment' changes gradually.
Paper in Marathi. An unusual poem in prakrit, inscribed in 'Bhoja Shala', aka 'Sarasvati Bhavan' ... more Paper in Marathi. An unusual poem in prakrit, inscribed in 'Bhoja Shala', aka 'Sarasvati Bhavan' at Dhar, Malwa. Attributed to King Bhoja (1000 CE to 1055 CE). Topic is interesting.
An image of a deity recovered from a pond in Gās, near Nālāsopārā, is illustrated below. A first ... more An image of a deity recovered from a pond in Gās, near Nālāsopārā, is illustrated below. A first look at the deity carrying a child on her hip and her elephant mount standing by her right side brings to mind Indrani, one of the saptamātṛkās. However a closer look shows that in her right hand she is holding a ghaṇṭā (Bell) with a vajra-top. Indrani as a part of Hindu pantheon would hold a vajra, not a bell. A female attendant holding Aṅkuśa (elephant goad) stands on her left.
In an article in this journal, in 2006-2007, some temples of north Maharashtra (from Ahmadnagar a... more In an article in this journal, in 2006-2007, some temples of north Maharashtra (from Ahmadnagar and Nasik districts) were discussed 1. The present article, as a continuation, showcases temples, sattras, centres of learning and monasteries from two more districts of north Maharashtra, Jalgaon and Dhule. Five of the temples, the Siva temple at Dighi, Bhavani Temple and the Mahesvara
Archaeology and Text: The Temple in South Asia " , 2010
Unusual depictions on inside pillars of Ambarnath Shivalaya.
Rituals performed during temple con... more Unusual depictions on inside pillars of Ambarnath Shivalaya.
Rituals performed during temple construction and after completion
I t is rare to find the sutradhåra (master architect) depicted on a temple wall. In the Shiva tem... more I t is rare to find the sutradhåra (master architect) depicted on a temple wall. In the Shiva temple at Ambarnath, Maharashtra (c. AD 1060), the sutradhåra is portrayed in a recess on the wall (salilåntara) He is bearded, wears various ornaments but no sacred thread. In his right hand is the measuring rod and the left has a manuscript. The identification of the Ambarnath figure as the sutradhåra is confirmed by comparing it with an inscribed roundel on the ceiling of the twelfth century Vimala Vasahi, Dilwara, Mount Abu, South Rajasthan
In the absence of direct inscriptional evidence, an attempt to understand what the Acharya / Stha... more In the absence of direct inscriptional evidence, an attempt to understand what the Acharya / Sthapati of the temple wished to convey through the imagery.
The article describes a small but beautiful temple in the Anmod Ghats, Goa. Stylistically, it is ... more The article describes a small but beautiful temple in the Anmod Ghats, Goa. Stylistically, it is placed in the thirteenth century and was probably built by the Kadamba dynasty of Goa. Our visit coincided with the 'Fugdi-Dhalo Mahotsava' held there on Akshaya Tritiya. Groups of young women in their traditional finery participated. It was obvious from their enthusiasm that they were enjoying the pure fun of this gathering.
The medieval art history of the Konkan coast is plagued by a paucity of recorded
dates for sculp... more The medieval art history of the Konkan coast is plagued by a paucity of recorded
dates for sculptures and monuments.Hardly any temples from medieval times have
survived but scattered solitary sculptures found throughout the coastal areas testify
to their presence at one time. Some of these images are presently in worship within
unpretentious thatched or tiled cottages that serve as “temples”. The sculptures,
shrouded in local legends, obviously pre-date their dwellings by many centuries. Their
stylistic features can be used to gain more information about their origins.
Three Vishnu images in stone, located off the beaten track, are discussed here – a
Rupanarayana from Dive Agar, Shrivardhan taluka, Raigad district (north Konkan), 2
a Lakshmi Keshava from Bivli, Chiplun taluka, Ratnagiri district (south Konkan), and 3
a Vishnu image in stone from Savai Vere, Goa, now at the ASI museum in Old Goa.
No inscriptional evidence is available for any of these images. They were found within
a couple of hundred kilometres of each other, and yet exhibit strikingly different styles.
An effort is made here to glean some information about the sculptures from certain
distinctive features they possess, as well as from historical events in the region.
A loose Panel which may be taken as further proof that 'Shreshthins' and thereby Trade an Commer... more A loose Panel which may be taken as further proof that 'Shreshthins' and thereby Trade an Commerce, were still flourishing in medieval times at Sopara
Art, Icon and Architecture in South Asia , Essays in honour of Dr. Devangana Desai
The paper highlights some episodic panels on the walls of a temple in Phaltan, district Satara, i... more The paper highlights some episodic panels on the walls of a temple in Phaltan, district Satara, in Maharashtra. A review of Jaina temples in a small geographical area covering a short historical time span is included to get a proper perspective.
The Shilaharas of Kolhapur (940-1210 CE) ruled over ‘Kuntaladesha’, comprising the
present-day districts of Kolhapur, Sangli and Satara in Maharashtra and Belgaum in
Karnataka.
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Rituals performed during temple construction and after completion
dates for sculptures and monuments.Hardly any temples from medieval times have
survived but scattered solitary sculptures found throughout the coastal areas testify
to their presence at one time. Some of these images are presently in worship within
unpretentious thatched or tiled cottages that serve as “temples”. The sculptures,
shrouded in local legends, obviously pre-date their dwellings by many centuries. Their
stylistic features can be used to gain more information about their origins.
Three Vishnu images in stone, located off the beaten track, are discussed here – a
Rupanarayana from Dive Agar, Shrivardhan taluka, Raigad district (north Konkan), 2
a Lakshmi Keshava from Bivli, Chiplun taluka, Ratnagiri district (south Konkan), and 3
a Vishnu image in stone from Savai Vere, Goa, now at the ASI museum in Old Goa.
No inscriptional evidence is available for any of these images. They were found within
a couple of hundred kilometres of each other, and yet exhibit strikingly different styles.
An effort is made here to glean some information about the sculptures from certain
distinctive features they possess, as well as from historical events in the region.
The Shilaharas of Kolhapur (940-1210 CE) ruled over ‘Kuntaladesha’, comprising the
present-day districts of Kolhapur, Sangli and Satara in Maharashtra and Belgaum in
Karnataka.
Rituals performed during temple construction and after completion
dates for sculptures and monuments.Hardly any temples from medieval times have
survived but scattered solitary sculptures found throughout the coastal areas testify
to their presence at one time. Some of these images are presently in worship within
unpretentious thatched or tiled cottages that serve as “temples”. The sculptures,
shrouded in local legends, obviously pre-date their dwellings by many centuries. Their
stylistic features can be used to gain more information about their origins.
Three Vishnu images in stone, located off the beaten track, are discussed here – a
Rupanarayana from Dive Agar, Shrivardhan taluka, Raigad district (north Konkan), 2
a Lakshmi Keshava from Bivli, Chiplun taluka, Ratnagiri district (south Konkan), and 3
a Vishnu image in stone from Savai Vere, Goa, now at the ASI museum in Old Goa.
No inscriptional evidence is available for any of these images. They were found within
a couple of hundred kilometres of each other, and yet exhibit strikingly different styles.
An effort is made here to glean some information about the sculptures from certain
distinctive features they possess, as well as from historical events in the region.
The Shilaharas of Kolhapur (940-1210 CE) ruled over ‘Kuntaladesha’, comprising the
present-day districts of Kolhapur, Sangli and Satara in Maharashtra and Belgaum in
Karnataka.