Roy C. Craven Knihy

The grave, sensuous, and infinitely varied arts of India have long been admired in the West. This engaging book tells the story clearly and vividly from the first, still mysterious, beginnings in the Indus valley, through the great masterpieces of Buddhist and Hindu art to the coming of Islam, the eclectic culture of the Mughal court, and the golden age of miniature painting. Much of Indian art is immediately accessible to the outsider, but much is also enigmatic, needing interpretation and guidance before it can be enjoyed in the strange pantheon of the Hindu gods, the subtle insights of Buddhist mysticism, or the complex symbolism of the miniatures. For this edition, the late Professor Craven thoroughly revised the text and incorporated works by contemporary artists, linking their achievements to the traditions of Indian art. A new glossary and time line are also included.

Excerpt from Indian Sculpture in the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art I would especially like to cite Mr. Kenneth Donahue, Director of the John and Mable Ring ling Museum of Art, who brought these Indian sculptures out of their darkened exile and once again presented them to an appreciative public. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

This survey, spanning 4000 years, traces the rich visual expression of one of the most ancient cultures thru the varied arts of India. From the beginnings in the Indus valley, thru the masterpieces of Buddhist & Hindu art, to the coming of Islam & the eclectic culture of the Mughal court, the country's artistic history is explored. Craven leads the reader thru the pantheon of the Hindu gods, the insights of Buddhist mysticism & the complex symbolism of miniature paintings. This revised edition brings the narrative up-to-date, exploring the contribution of 20th-century artists & incorporates a glossary & timeline. Introduction Harappan culture: beginnings on the Indus Historical & religious origins The Mauryan period: the first imperial art The Shunga dynasty: chaityas, viharas & stupas The Andhra period: the 'world mountains' The Kushan period: Gandhara & Mathura The Gupta & Post-Gupta periods South India: Pallavas, Cholas & Hoysalas The Medieval period in North India Islamic India: architecture & painting Jain, Rajasthani & Pahari painting Epilogue Bibliography Acknowledgments for Illustrations Index