An Introduction to the Ajanta Caves: With Examples of Six Caves - Softcover

Singh, Rajesh Kumar

4.25

16 ratings by Goodreads

9788192510705: An Introduction to the Ajanta Caves: With Examples of Six Caves

Softcover

ISBN 10: 8192510700 ISBN 13: 9788192510705

Publisher: Hari Sena Press, 2012

View all copies of this ISBN edition:

You will find in this book the history of the caves as well as the Buddhist legends painted on the walls. The history section includes the chronological development of four Ajanta caves: Caves 1, 2, 16 and 17. This is a new account of the chronology of the Ajanta caves based on the latest research carried out by the author. The narrative sections include short summaries of 84 Buddhist legends that are painted on the walls of the Caves 1, 2, 9, and 17. This is for the first time that a small book like this includes 84 Buddhist legends. The short summaries are based on the pioneering research work carried out by D. Schlingloff and his predecessors. The descriptions follow the nearest known versions of the stories, many of them from still very obscure Buddhist scriptures. At least one photograph of each of the preserved painted legends has been reproduced. In total there are 284 colour photographs, which also include some examples from architectural details, sculptures, inscriptions, ground plans, and motifs. A short introduction of our current understanding about the prevailing political and cultural background is also given. The book is intended for the advanced researchers, educators, students, and such general readers who seek an in-depth understanding of the history of the Ajanta caves and the paintings.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

About the Author:

Dr R. K. Singh is a sort of parivrājaka (wanderer) academic, not affiliated, full time, with any institution since 2008. He has published 3 monographs, 16 research papers, 1 CD-Rom, and 5 video documentaries on the Ajanta caves. Having earlier served IDC, Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay, as adviser, 'Revisiting Ajanta' project led by Prof. Sumant Rao, he currently serves the 'Dharohar' foundation, Secure Meters Ltd., Udaipur, as Consulting Art Historian, Ajanta Caves Research programme. Singh is interested in basic as well as applied research in 'Ajantology.' He is pursuing a lifelong research project called 'Ajanta Śodha Piṭaka.' It comprises of many large and small sub-projects grouped under multiple divisions or series. Each series would culminate into two or more of the following items: monographs, essays, databases, archiving, and documentaries.

Review:

"There are hundreds of publications on these marvels of art in which Shri Singh's paperback is a most handy and authentic addition. The book contains seven chapters detailing the various aspects of the art of Ajanta, especially the depiction of paintings narrating the Buddhist jatakas and other stories of Buddha's life. The book presents updated information and views of leading contemporary scholars. Information from necessary domains has been collated with utmost care: epigraphy, ancient Buddhist texts, archaeology, iconography, architecture, and art history.... There are 284 colour photographs depicting architecture, paintings, sculpture, and decorative motifs in comprehensive detail. High resolution and updated photographs are presented here along with abridged stories. This book is an admirable attempt to make available a summary of the latest research, complemented by appropriate photographs that illustrate the detailed variety of the art and architectural panorama of the Ajanta caves... The publication ventured by Shri Singh is not only an authentic attempt, but faithful narratives of the Ajanta paintings and other art forms." -- Puratattva, Journal of the Indian Archaeological Society, 43, 2013

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.